New office express train service between Fort, Chilaw

Irangika RANGE

The Sri Lanka Railways commenced the new office express train service between Colombo Fort and Chilaw yesterday.

The train will stop at Madampe, Nattandiya, Negombo, Dematagoda and Maradana Railway stations. The train will leave Chilaw railway station at 5.35 am and reach the Colombo Fort Railway Station at 7.30 am. The evening train service will commence from Colombo Fort at 4.45 pm and arrive at the Chilaw station at 6.30 pm.

A new s11 power set imported from India is being used for the new office train service between Chialw and Colombo Fort. Transport Minister Kumara Welgama who travelled on the train's inaugural journey from Chilaw to Colombo Fort said the service was launched following requests by daily train commuters. The new train will have three second class compartments and three third class compartments.

"Our main target is to provide a punctual train service," the minister said.

Welgama visiting each compartment listened to the problems and requests of commuters.

He stressed that commuters have a responsibility to protect railway properties by helping the authorities maintain them well.