Nanuoya express train targets local, foreign tourists

By Gamini WARUSHAMANA

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The Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) last week launched a new express train to Nanuoya, one of the main railway towns upcountry, targeting to attract local and foreign tourists.

Nanuoya is the closest railway station to the Nuwara Eliya town, which is six miles away. The new intercity express train provides a comfortable and fast service to passengers.

The train with 264 second class seats starts its journey at 8.30 a.m from the Colombo Fort railway station and stops at Peradeniya, Gampola, Nawalapitiya, Hatton, Thalawakele and Nanuoya.

The train reaches Nanuoya at 1.30 pm after a five-hour journey and starts its return journey at 3.15 pm. Travellers can enjoy the picturesque scenery in the hill country while travelling in the observation deck which can accommodate 24 passengers.

According to CGR sources there has been a big demand from the second day and all seats were reserved over the weekend.

The president of the Nuwara Eliya Hotel's Association, T. G. Mahinda who welcomed the first train at the Nanuoya railway station said that the Association is ready to work closely with the CGR to promote tourism in the district.

The Association sponsored to colour wash the railway station recently and Mahinda called upon the local authorities and other stakeholders to refurbish the station by providing facilities for travellers.

The Association has set up a tourist information centre at the railway station to guide travellers to tourist destinations in Nuwara Eliya.

CGR General Manager, Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said that rail transport is the most secure, convenient and most economical transport mode in the country. An express train running upcountry targeting travellers is a long-felt need.

The only factor that could sustain this train service is to attract commuters. The operation cost of the train is Rs. 1,500/km and we have to cover this cost, he said.

When the Sripada season begins next week there will be a big demand for this service. This will be the most convenient transport mode for the Sripada pilgrims, Dr. Gunaruwan said.

The CGR has added new train services on the upcountry railway line. The Kandy-Colombo train service was extended to Matale from last week. A new platform has been constructed at the Peradeniya railway station facilitating Badulla-Colombo bound trains to stop at Peradeniya. Earlier, trains running on the Badulla-Colombo railway line did not stop at Peradeniya or had to reverse at the Peradeniya station.

The CGR has developed infrastructure in the Kandy, Kadugannawa and Nawalapitiya railway triangle including the installation of a modern signal system, to provide an efficient train service among the three towns.