Night Train Schedules Revised to Prevent Wild Elephant Collisions

The Railway Department has taken steps to revise the schedules of night trains to prevent collisions with wild elephants. This decision is considered an important measure in minimizing human-elephant conflicts.

According to a statement issued by the Railway Department, additional speed restrictions have been implemented along with schedule revisions to reduce elephant collisions. These changes will take effect from March 7.

The revised schedules specifically cover areas with high wild elephant populations,

including:

 The Batticaloa route from Palugaswewa to Higurakgoda

 The Batticaloa route from Welikanda to Punani

 The Trincomalee route from Gal Oya Junction to Kantale

These areas have been identified as regions with high elephant populations, where elephants frequently cross railway tracks at night.

Additionally, starting from March 7, an S-13 locomotive set will be deployed for the ‘Minnagaya’ intercity night mail train operating between Colombo Fort and Batticaloa. This deployment aims to enhance efficiency and safety in train travel.

The Railway Department has issued special guidelines for passengers who have already made advance seat reservations for journeys from March 7 onwards. Passengers are advised to arrive at the station on time as scheduled, as departure and arrival times may change due to these revisions.

By implementing these measures, the Railway Department expects to minimize elephant fatalities and railway accidents. Over the past few years, several elephant deaths and train damages have been reported due to nighttime train collisions.

The Railway Department, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, is actively executing this program. In parallel, special awareness programs are planned for train drivers and assistants to ensure compliance with the new measures.

With these revised schedules, authorities aim to reduce elephant-train collisions while enhancing passenger safety.

Train Schedule - March 7, 2025 

Colombo to Matara Route 

Train Number	Name	Departure	Departure Time	Arrival	Arrival Time
6011	"Ruhunu Devi"	Colombo Fort	06:05	Matara	14:49
6075	"Express"	Colombo Fort	15:15	Matara	12:03
6079	"Galu Kumari"	Colombo Fort	23:00	Matara	08:28

Matara to Colombo Route 

Train Number	Name	Departure	Departure Time	Arrival	Arrival Time
6012	"Ruhunu Devi"	Matara	06:10	Colombo Fort	14:53
6076	"Express"	Matara	01:30	Colombo Fort	10:10
6080	"Galu Kumari"	Matara	18:15	Colombo Fort	03:30

Colombo to Trincomalee Route 

Train Number	Departure	Departure Time	Arrival	Arrival Time
7083	Colombo Fort	21:30	Trincomalee	06:08

Trincomalee to Colombo Route 

Train Number	Departure	Departure Time	Arrival	Arrival Time
7084	Trincomalee	18:30	Colombo Fort	03:19