COLOMBO, November 2019: Sri Lanka Railways has commenced the new intercity train service between Colombo Fort and Badulla with the launch of the ‘Denuwara Menike’ as part of efforts to meet increasing demand from commuters and boost tourist traffic along the upcountry route.
Sri Lanka Railways Superintendent Dilantha Fernando said that ‘Denuwara Menike’ is a newly imported state-of-the-art Chinese Class S-14 Diesel Electric Multiple Unit, specially designed to operate in the hill country. The new intercity luxury train features two air-conditioned first class compartments, two second class compartments, three economy class compartments and a dining compartment. The train can transport a total of 250 commuters including 88 in first class compartments, 96 in second class compartments and 266 in economy class compartments. Seats could be reserved in advance with passengers being able to make pre-ticket bookings via main train stations including Colombo Fort and with the use of mobile seat booking applications.
‘Denuwara Menike’ has a public address system for all carriages, TV screens, cell phone charging facilities in the first class compartments, and headset facilities for passenger seats. The new train is also fitted with a “black box” similar to those installed in aircraft.
The new S14 power-sets were imported from the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) at a cost of Rs.1,845 million. The train service was launched at a ceremony held on November 1 at the Fort railway station with the participation of Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga. Former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva also took part in the event.
After departing from Colombo Fort, the train will stop at Polgahawela, Peradeniya Junction, Gampola, Nawalapitiya, Hatton, Talawakelle, Nanu Oya, Haputale, Diyatalawa, Bandarawela, Ella and Badulla in the low central highlands. The central line is a scenic route which attracts many foreign tourists throughout the year.
The express train will reach its destination – a distance of 292 km – in around eight and half hours, and will run every other day on each direction. The train will leave Colombo Fort at 6:45 am and reach Badulla at 3:27 pm. It will depart on the following day at 7:20 am from Badulla and reach Colombo Fort at 4:03 pm.
Ticket fares for the service departing from Colombo Fort:
Air Conditioned First Class
Nanu Oya – Rs.1500
Ella – Rs.1600
Badulla – Rs. 1700
Second Class
Nanu Oya Rs. 800-
Ella – Rs. 900
Badulla – Rs. 1000
Economy class
Nanu Oya Rs. 500
Ella – Rs. 600
Badulla – Rs. 700
