Podi Menike (Train #1005) is an operational 🚆 Express passenger service connecting Colombo Fort (FOT) with Badulla (BAD) along Sri Lanka's historic Main Line. With 9 scheduled passenger halts, the service completes its journey in approximately 10h 20m.
The Podi Menike (‘Little Maiden’) is one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most iconic named expresses, serving the Colombo-Badulla highland corridor since 1956. Leaving Colombo Fort at dawn, it provides travelers and commuters with reliable, panoramic access across the central mountains.
| Train Number | #1005 | Service Name | Podi Menike(පොඩි මැණිකේ සීඝ්රගාමී දුම්රිය / பொடி மெனிகே விரைவு தொடருந்து) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Railway Line | 👑Main Line | Service Type | 🚆Express |
| Route Corridor | Colombo Fort (FOT) ➔ Badulla (BAD) | Schedule and Duration | 05:55 ➔ 16:15 (10h 20m) |
| Operating Days | Daily | ||
| Buffet Car / Catering | Station Vendors Only | Observation Saloon | Available (1st Class Panoramic) |
| Sleeping Berths | Day Seating Only | ||
| Stop | Station | Arr. Time | Dep. Time | Halt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 05:55 | 05:55 | — | |
| 02 | 08:40 | 08:45 | 5 min | |
| 03 | 08:55 | 09:05 | 10 min | |
| 04 | 11:40 | 11:45 | 5 min | |
| 05 | 13:40 | 13:45 | 5 min | |
| 06 | 14:40 | 14:45 | 5 min | |
| 07 | 15:05 | 15:10 | 5 min | |
| 08 | 15:35 | 15:40 | 5 min | |
| 09 | 16:15 | 16:15 | — |
