Colombo-KKS luxury train service launched

9 January 2022 09:23 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A luxury train service was launched today for the passengers traveling from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The new train service was launched while taking the first step to improve the train travelling.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Mount Lavinia Railway Station under the patronage Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

The train will leave Mt. Lavinia at 5.10 am daily and reach Kankesanthurai at 12.17 pm the same day. It will leave Kankesanthurai at 1.15 pm and reach Mt. Lavinia at 8.25 pm. The Indian made train equipped with the latest technology, has 10 compartments and 2 power locomotives, all of them are air-conditioned.

Also, the Railway Department has taken steps to provide all the facilities required by the passengers in this train. These include comfortable seating, a buffet car for dining, TV and modern toilet facilities. Passengers who wish to avail the services of this train will be able to buy e-tickets online a month in advance, the department said.

This train was procured under the Indian Credit Line Scheme the cost of Rs.2,500 million.

The Railway Department has deployed a special security arrangement for the safety of the train and the passengers. The Minister then travelled by train from Mt. Lavinia to Fort Railway Station, was accompanied by the General Manager of Railways Dhammika Jayasundara and a group of officials.

Minister Wanniarachchi said the present government has planned to put in place a number of short, medium and long term plans to improve the quality of train travelling.

As the first step on the right direction, we are able to introduce a luxury train service that began its journey today.

The Railway Department has taken steps to facilitate the public to travel northwards by this train at an affordable fare. This train service will be a blessing to local and foreign tourists who will be travelling to the North while enjoying maximum comfort.

As the Minister of Transport, I request you all, the commuters to protect these carriages while enjoying travelling. The train will halt in Dehiwala, Wellawatte, Bambalapitiya, Fort, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Kodikamam, Jaffna, Kondavil, Chunnakam and KKS. The ticket from Mt. Lavinia to Kankesanthurai costs Rs.1,700, from Mt. Lavinia to Vavuniya Rs.1,500 and from Mt. Lavinia to Anuradhapura Rs.1,200. (Minimum fee is Rs.1,200). (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

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Comments - 18

WAC Sunday, 09 January 2022 10:58 PM

This train was there before covid. May be the restart of the service..

Ama Monday, 10 January 2022 08:40 AM

Yes, it was there for some time. The beautiful BLUE colored Chinese made train. But was not maintained later properly

UK driver Sunday, 09 January 2022 11:03 PM

One hour stay at KKS is too long. Why can’t it return at 12.45 from KKS and reach Mt.Lavinia at 7.55pm. Hardly a few people get out and get in at KKS. The driver and guard should be able to swap within 15 minutes. In UK they swap under 10 minutes.

mahi Monday, 10 January 2022 07:49 AM

Engalanthe ehema unath Lankawe ehema wenne nee

SL Driver Monday, 10 January 2022 08:16 AM

Man, this is in Sri Lanka

kk in uk Monday, 10 January 2022 08:20 AM

you're talking of UK..this is KK (kaput kingdom)..

vince Monday, 10 January 2022 11:09 AM

There are maximum working hours for drivers. they work 4 hours and there is a mandatory break. Maybe the drivers are not swapped in SL. Hence the long break. Ideally, there should be a new set of personnel.

Citizen Perera Monday, 10 January 2022 07:07 AM

Please take steps to provide similar train facilities to Colombo-Kandy route too

iwazaru Monday, 10 January 2022 07:14 AM

This is luxury for people who have not travelled in the Ceylon Government Railways (CGR) in the 60s. One could take the night mail to Nanu Oya have bacon and eggs for breakfast and proceed to Nuwara Eliya. The first class berths had flowers to greet you and a bed tea was also served.

Wedige Monday, 10 January 2022 07:54 AM

What a lie, I have used this train 4 years ago.

Cecil Hedwige Monday, 10 January 2022 07:54 AM

Does it stop in Madhu Station.

Bhatiya Siriwardena Monday, 10 January 2022 08:14 AM

The arrangement is good. It would have been better if the interest rate on the Loan was released. Railway officials must supervise the upkeep of the train. Passengers too must know

Mahila Monday, 10 January 2022 01:43 PM

It is cheaper/lower than that offered by china for Hambantota

ram Monday, 10 January 2022 08:25 AM

Govt provided train service is at very high price of Rs.1800/=. and ticket booking also very hard. private super luxury bus service almost provide from door to door service at Rs.1200/=

S K Sirisena Monday, 10 January 2022 08:32 AM

The concept is good. Affordable price. Nice new train with facilities...BUT who is going to travel ??? The same group of monkeys who will ruin the train in no time.

Andy Monday, 10 January 2022 12:07 PM

What I can't understand is that why has bookings got to be made one month in advance??? Bookings should be made within 72 hours of the journey date, wouldn't this be more practical!!!

Mandayan Monday, 10 January 2022 01:25 PM

The problem is in the ageing tracks and fix that first. The Indians built tracks between Vavunia and KKS is new but the rest need renewals

George S de Silva Tuesday, 11 January 2022 04:28 AM

will the wash rooms and latrines be clean ?

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Colombo-KKS luxury train service launched

Comments - 18

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