Sri Lanka Railways
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"Comfortable 1st Class Seats, But Major Access and Service Issues"
We traveled on the Udarata Manike Train No. 1015 from Colombo Fort to Kandy on 27th Feb 2025 in 1st class. The seats, though a bit dated, were comfortable, and the air conditioning worked effectively. The train departed slightly late at 08:35, which was acceptable. The main issue, however, was the lack of direct access to the canteen or tuck shop from the 1st class cars. To reach it, we had to pass through the 2nd class and crowded 3rd class cars, which was both inconvenient for 1st class passengers and disruptive for others. It was clear that the railway officials either don’t notice these practical issues or don’t prioritize them. The canteen itself was disappointing—cramped, with very limited food options. While my journey to Kandy was short, I couldn’t imagine passengers traveling the full Colombo–Badulla route, a nine-hour trip, facing these same challenges. As the country prepares for a tourism boom, basic improvements to access, service, and passenger comfort are long overdue.
"Urgent Safety Concern on Polgahawela Train – Reckless Behavior by Staff"
On 28th November 2024, my wife traveled on the Polgahawela Train departing Colombo Fort at 4:50 pm. Upon arrival at Ganemulla Railway Station around 5:45 pm, the train did not stop even briefly to allow all passengers to disembark. Instead, the train suddenly departed amid shouting from passengers. Due to this unprofessional conduct, several passengers, including women, had to jump from the moving train, resulting in injuries. Many others, including my wife, were unable to get off and had to disembark at the next station. When questioned, the train driver responded rudely, neglecting the safety concerns of passengers. Such acts—including reckless driving, inappropriate communication, and failure to follow safety protocols—are completely unacceptable for a professional public service and put the lives of passengers at serious risk. I strongly recommend a thorough investigation into this incident to identify the root causes, hold the responsible staff accountable, and implement measures to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future. This behavior not only compromises passenger safety but also undermines public trust in railway services.
"A Truly Disappointing Train Experience in Kandy"
I just returned from a day trip to Kandy, and I have never experienced such a terrible train ride anywhere in the world. The train system clearly has a very long way to go and needs comprehensive improvement from the inside out. Basic issues such as broken seats, windows, and ceiling fans were glaring. The interiors were dirty and appeared never to have been properly cleaned or maintained. On the return trip, the rattling and instability of the train made it feel like it might break apart at any moment—making it impossible to rest. It’s a shame that while we speak proudly of our country, the train system and infrastructure are severely neglected. Immediate action is needed to repair, clean, and modernize the trains to ensure safe and comfortable travel.
"Scenic Views Let Down by Poor Maintenance and Cleanliness"
We traveled to Ella and back on the Badulla Express observation salon. While the journey offered beautiful scenic views through the open windows, the experience was marred by poor maintenance and cleanliness. The salon is not air-conditioned, which is acceptable, but the tray tables were either sealed due to damage or dirty, showing dust and corrosion. Many seats were non-reclinable due to broken handles. When we raised these issues, the guard explained that maintenance was not his responsibility. Both trains we traveled on were delayed by 1.5 hours, and we were told that such delays are a daily occurrence. Passengers would benefit from accurate arrival time notifications to plan onward journeys. The canteen facilities were also unhygienic, resembling makeshift pavement stalls, and staff clothing was filthy despite the guard being in a clean uniform. Overall, significant improvements are needed to meet basic standards of comfort and hygiene, and the responsible authorities must take immediate action.
"Excellent Intercity Train Experience from Jaffna to Colombo"
We traveled as a group of three from Jaffna to Colombo, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. The online booking process was simple, and tickets were promptly emailed to us. We had booked the intercity air-conditioned train, and we were pleased to see that additional trains had been added for weekdays following Pongal. At Jaffna station, the staff informed us that a printed ticket wasn’t necessary and that the emailed ticket was sufficient. Onboard, the service was outstanding. The seating arrangements were excellent, allowing seats to rotate to face each other. Each seat had USB charging ports, standard power outlets, and headphone sockets to enjoy the onboard documentary, which seemed to offer multiple language channels. Although we didn’t use the restaurant car, staff circulated through the train selling milk, coffee, and snacks during the journey. The only minor drawbacks were the lack of onboard announcements to indicate station stops, and it would be great if specific seat booking and onboard Wi-Fi could be offered in the future. Overall, a comfortable, well-equipped, and enjoyable journey.
"Urgent Need to Update Contact Numbers at Certain Railway Stations"
Some railway stations have non-functional contact numbers, making it impossible to reach them in urgent or emergency situations. For instance, stations like Pattipola and Ohiya currently have phones that don’t work. This creates serious communication issues for passengers who need assistance. It is highly recommended that the railway authorities update or repair these contact lines to ensure passengers can get help when needed. Immediate attention to this issue would greatly improve safety and convenience.
"Guide for Obtaining Government Worker Concessionary Season Pass"
I recently visited to obtain the concessionary season pass for government workers and found the process fairly straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. First, you need to collect the necessary forms from your office, including two certified photos, and have them signed. Next, proceed to the season section located on the first floor of the building on the right side, at the far end of the hallway from the main entrance. There, you will receive forms to pay for the season folder (for new applicants) and a separate form for the season pass itself. Payments are made at the shroff, which is Rs. 300 for the folder, and receipts should be collected. Note that the shroff closes at 3 pm, so it’s important to go early, as there may be a small queue. After making the payment, return the receipts to the office, where they will call your name to issue the folder and the season pass separately. Finally, ensure the season folder is signed by your office to complete the process.
Sri Lanka Railways
Scenic train routes such as Kandy–Ella.
Address
Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.
Website
https://railway.gov.lk/
Email
gmr[@]railway.gov.lk
Telephone
+94 11 4 600 111