The Ministry of Transport says a new train called "Yal Nila Odyssey" will begin operation between Mount Lavinia and Kankesanturai on the 4th of August.
The train will initially operate on weekends from the 4th of August and, it will operate daily from August 18th, because of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple Festival. The festival is scheduled from the 21st of August to the 16th of September.
The "Yal Nila Odyssey" is expected to leave Mount Lavinia on Friday at 10 PM and reach Kankesanthurai at around 5.52 AM the next day(Saturday).
The train will be stationed at Kankesanthurai on Saturday and Sunday, and it will leave from Kankesanthurai at 10 PM on Sunday and reach Mount Lavinia at 6 AM(Monday).
“The train can accommodate 570 commuters, including 106 third-class seats, 128 second-class seats, and 336 first-class AC seats. An onboard cleaning service is available on the train. All tickets can be reserved through the online system,” - GMR, SLR
Passengers will be charged Rs.4,000 for a first-class seat, Rs.3,000 for a second-class seat, and, Rs.2,000 for a third-class seat.
According to the Ministry, trains between Colombo and Jaffna will run only till December 2023 due to the rail track renovation between Maho junction and Anuradhapura.
