A new luxury train was launched between Colombo Fort and Anuradhapura on weekends for tourists and pilgrims. This was on the instructions of Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena. Its maiden journey was on October 8 from Colombo Fort.
The train leaves Colombo Fort at 9.20 am every Saturday and reaches Anuradhapura at 1.42 pm and leaves Anuradhapura at 5.00 pm on Sunday and reaches Colombo Fort at 9.14 pm. The train has 10 air-conditioned first class compartments and two second class compartments.
The fare is Rs. 2,400 for the first class journey. The new inter-city express train will stop at Ragama, Gampaha, Veyangoda, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, Mahava and Anuradhapura New Town. All seats can be booked up to 30 days in advance.