Sri Lanka Railways has announced new speed limits and revised train schedules for night operations in regions where elephant crossings are common. This initiative aims to reduce frequent elephant-train collisions and will take effect from March 7, 2025.
Under the revised schedule, trains will operate outside peak elephant movement hours, and speed limits will be enforced in high-risk zones to minimize accidents. Additionally, an S-13 type power set will be introduced for the “Meenagaya” intercity night mail train running between Colombo Fort and Batticaloa.
Revised Train Schedule (Effective from March 7, 2025):
Colombo Fort – Batticaloa Route:
- Train 6011 (“Udaya Devi”)
- Departure: Colombo Fort – 06:05 AM
- Arrival: Batticaloa – 02:49 PM
- Train 6075 (“Pulathisi”)
- Departure: Colombo Fort – 03:15 PM
- Arrival: Batticaloa – 12:03 AM
- Train 6079 (“Meenagaya”)
- Departure: Colombo Fort – 11:00 PM
- Arrival: Batticaloa – 08:28 AM
Batticaloa – Colombo Fort Route:
- Train 6012 (“Udaya Devi”)
- Departure: Batticaloa – 06:10 AM
- Arrival: Colombo Fort – 02:53 PM
- Train 6076 (“Pulathisi”)
- Departure: Batticaloa – 01:30 AM
- Arrival: Colombo Fort – 10:10 AM
- Train 6080 (“Meenagaya”)
- Departure: Batticaloa – 06:15 PM
- Arrival: Colombo Fort – 03:30 AM
Colombo Fort – Trincomalee Route:
- Train 7083
- Departure: Colombo Fort – 09:30 PM
- Arrival: Trincomalee – 06:08 AM
- Train 7084
- Departure: Trincomalee – 06:30 PM
- Arrival: Colombo Fort – 03:19 AM
The Department of Railways urges passengers with advance seat reservations from March 7, 2025, to check the updated departure times and arrive punctually. While acknowledging possible delays due to speed restrictions, officials stress that this measure is part of a national responsibility to protect Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
The department is also calling for public cooperation and awareness to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing that it is a crucial step toward reducing human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring safer railway operations.
