New train-based courier service
 

BY RAJMI Manatunga

THE Railways Ministry is drawing up plans to commence a new courier service for the efficient and economical transport of parcels and mail.

The proposed courier service will enable the public to send parcels and mail to different parts of the country through the train service, Railways Minister Felix Perera told the Daily News.

The Minister said they were planning to use the 'guard box' of each train to carry out the islandwide service which is also expected to bring additional income to the Railways Department.

"The Railways at present plays a limited role in the transport of mail whereby mail collected by the Postal Department is conveyed to different areas by special mail trains. Through the proposed courier service we will be able to provide a much better service," he said.

In addition, the Ministry has also taken steps to expand the transport of goods by train. Accordingly, the train service will take up transport of wheat flour and paddy. It has also been decided to increase the transport of oil which stands at 56 per cent.

"We expect to set up agencies at a number of railway stations to collect goods to be transported by train," Minister Perera added.