Luxury rail services on tracks from today

Bringing a welcome change to rail transportation, two luxury services between Colombo and Kandy operated by private sector and facilitated by the Government will be officially flagged off today.

First to takeoff will be Expo Rail operated by Expolanka Holdings at 7:20 a.m. from Fort Railway station, whilst later in the evening at 3:15 p.m. Blue Line Company’s Rajadhani Express will takeoff.            

Transport Minister Kumar Welgama and Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayake will officiate at the launch.

The private sector-serviced and marketed luxury coaches attached to the trains operated by Sri Lanka Railway are fully air-conditioned, carpeted, have first class toilets facilities, free Wi-Fi, side racks to store passengers luggage, on board snacks, tea/coffee and steward service.

Expo Rail will be charging Rs. 1,200 per passenger for a return ticket on all-inclusive basis, whilst Rajadhani’s fee will be Rs. 850 without snacks.

Considered a boon for middle and upper middle-income and tourists wishing to use the railway to travel, via the luxury services the Sri Lanka Railway will generate revenue by charging the operators a standard first class fare per seat. The new generated income will be used for the development of railway services.