Inter-provincial trains to run from Nov.1: Transport Minister

The COVID task force has decided to resume train services on Monday (25) in the Western Province (WP) and to operate inter-provincial service from November 1.

Addressing the meeting, Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that the passenger train services have been suspended for about three months due to travel restrictions caused by COVID epidemic in the country.

It was also decided to limit the train services only to those commuters who possess railway season tickets.

During the meeting, it was decided to operate inter-provincial trains from November 1. 

According to the Railway Department, steps will be taken to increase the number of train journeys. 70 locomotives, 500 compartments and 65 power sets have been completed and restored to proper operation.

They said the engineers of the Railway Department have confirmed that the railway and signal network throughout the country are also kept ready for the operation of trains.

Accordingly, the Railway Department has planned to operate 50 trains on the main line, six trains on the Northern line, 64 trains on the coastal line, eight trains on the Kelani Valley line and 18 trains on the Puttalam line.

Accordingly, the Railway Department requests the public to use the train services in accordance with the Health Safety Guidelines. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)