Sri Lanka Railways has revealed new speed limitations and revised train schedules for night operations in locations where elephant crossings prevail, in order to avoid frequent elephant-train collisions.Accordingly, the revised train schedule, which is set to work from March 7, 2025, is as follows; Colombo Fort Batticaloa RouteTrain 6011 (Udaya Devi)Departure: Colombo Fort 06:05 AMArrival: Batticaloa 02:49 PMTrain 6075 (Pulathisi)Departure: Colombo Fort 03:15 PMArrival: Batticaloa 12:03 AMTrain 6079 (Meenagaya)Departure: Colombo Fort 11:00 PMArrival: Batticaloa 08:28 AMBatticaloa Colombo Fort RouteTrain 6012 (Udaya Devi)Departure: Batticaloa 06:10 AMArrival: Colombo Fort 14:53 PMTrain 6076 (Pulathisi)Departure: Batticaloa 01:30 AMArrival: Colombo Fort 10:10 AMTrain 6080 (Meenagaya)Departure: Batticaloa 06:15 PMArrival: Colombo Fort 03:30 AMColombo Fort Trincomalee RouteTrain 7083Departure: Colombo Fort 09:30 PMArrival: Trincomalee 06:08 AMTrain 7084Departure: Trincomalee 06:30 PMArrival: Colombo Fort 03:19 AMIssuing a declaration, the Department of Railways stated that trains will now operate outside peak elephant motion hours to minimise risks, and speed limitations will be enforced in high-risk zones.Additionally, an S-13 type power set will be released for the Meenagaya intercity night mail train running between Colombo Fort and Batticaloa, the department noted.The Railway Department urges travelers with advance seat appointments from March 07, 2025, onwards to check the upgraded departure times and show up punctually.
While acknowledging potential hold-ups due to the speed constraints, officials emphasize that the move is part of a nationwide duty to protect Sri Lankas wildlife.The department also calls for public cooperation and awareness concerning these modifications, ensuring that the effort receives extensive assistance.