The Government plans to commence special train and bus services on the weekends on key routes from September.
The measure is being taken as most trains remain booked with demand for public transport rising amid a fuel crisis.
Addressing the media yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that discussions are underway on launching a special weekend train service.
Stating that the special train service is expected to be launched next month, he said that two test runs have been completed.
“The Jaffna-bound ‘Night Rider’ train that leaves on Friday night from Colombo and returns Saturday night is carrying passengers above its capacity. The popular train routes to the hill country up to Badulla via Kandy, and Ella stations have been booked till next month,” he explained.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena further said that the Ministry is looking to add two trains to those routes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is looking to introduce a combined train-bus service to a few other destinations.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the ministry is trying to include a special train to Beliatta on the weekend.
He further said they are also looking at starting a combined bus service with the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses from Beliatta to Kataragama so that travellers can return on the same route the next day.
Similarly, a weekend train plus bus service will be introduced to Anuradhapura, and special bus service in the area to travel to the eight sacred places of worship.
The Minister of Transport said plans are also underway to introduce similar transport plans for destinations such as Kandy, Pasi-kuda, and Kal Kuda. (NewsWire)