Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena will launch a regular daily train service between Mihintale and Anuradhapura starting this year. This initiative aims to provide free transportation for devotees travelling from Anuradhapura to Mihintale during the Poson pilgrimage, reflecting the Government’s commitment to supporting religious festivals nationwide.
Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena and State Minister Shehan Semasinghe at the launch of the new train service
During Poson Poya, a special train operated between Anuradhapura and Mihintale, offering free travel for pilgrims. Minister Gunawardena assured full Government support for the Anuradhapura Poson festival and similar events across the country, ensuring State sponsorships through various ministries and departments.
“The newly established railway line spans 14.8 kms, including a 1.8 km double-track section from Anuradhapura to Mihintale, facilitating seamless train operations without disruption to the Northern Railway,” Minister Gunawardena said.
The railway upgrade, costing Rs. 650 million used reclaimed concrete sleepers from previous Northern railway renovations. “Our objective is to develop Mihintale into a pivotal distribution hub for goods across the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces,” Minister Gunawardena said.
Chief Engineer Priyantha Deegala said, “The newly introduced timetable accommodates university students, schoolchildren, and office workers. We plan morning services from Mihintale to Anuradhapura at 7 for school students and an 8 am service from Anuradhapura to Mihintale for university students. Evening trains will cater to office commuters, ensuring efficient transportation throughout the day.”
He said, “We anticipate running about ten trains daily, adjusting the timetable based on passenger demand, especially during Poson Poya. Our goal is to extend this service beyond Poson Poya to include other significant Poya days in the future.”
“This initiative not only enhances transportation accessibility but also supports economic activities, including container transport initiatives with Rs. 200 million funded from this year’s budget,” Deegala said.
He said, “Once a year, as Poson Poya approaches, the Railway Department prepares the line using sleepers specifically for the pilgrimage train. Following Poson Poya, periodic repairs are carried out as the festival approaches, resulting in recurring expenses. Minister Gunawardena has advocated to halt this seasonal expenditure and ensuring regular maintenance to sustain uninterrupted train operations.”
The initiative has eased travel for thousands of Mihintale pilgrims and promises ongoing benefits for schoolchildren, university students, and daily commuters. As the railway continues to evolve, it remains a testament to efforts to enhance connectivity and efficiency across the region.
Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena and State Minister Shehan Semasinghe unveiling the plaque at the new railway station
