Trains between Bamba and Colombo back on track

Rajmi Manatunga

Train operations between Bambalapiya and Colombo Fort which were temporarily suspended since August 1 resumed yesterday.

A Railway Main Control Room spokesman said trains plying on the coastal line were permitted to carry passengers between Bambalapitiya and Fort as usual from noon yesterday.

Rail transport between the two stations was restricted in line with the security arrangement for the 15th SAARC Heads of State Summit last week.

Accordingly, Bambalapitiya was the starting and terminating point for all coastal line trains while trains running from other lines to destinations on the coastal line stopped at Fort.

The Transport Ministry had taken steps to operate a shuttle service from Bambalapitiya to Fort during the four days to facilitate the transportation for train commuters who required to travel between the two stations.

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses were deployed for this purpose. Commuters with season tickets to stations beyond Bampalapitiya were offered free transport in the shuttle service.