The Colombo–Kankesanthurai (KKS) intercity express train will resume daily operations from tomorrow (July 14), railway authorities say, reversing a decision that had cut the popular Northern Line service to four days a week.
The Railway Department had earlier suspended the express on Tuesdays and Thursdays, citing a shortage of the power sets needed to run it. Under that revised timetable, which took effect around mid-July, the train leaving Mount Lavinia at 5.15 a.m. and Colombo Fort at 5.45 a.m. for Kankesanthurai — and the return service from KKS at 1.50 p.m. — operated only from Friday to Monday. On the two suspended days, the overnight Night Mail was left as the sole option for passengers heading north.
Railway trade unions objected that the reduced schedule caused significant inconvenience and hardship for commuters using the Northern Railway line, many of whom rely on the daytime express to travel between Colombo and Jaffna.
After considering those concerns, authorities decided to reinstate the Tuesday and Thursday services with effect from tomorrow. Passengers will once again be able to use the Colombo–Kankesanthurai intercity express throughout the week as usual.
The Northern Line, rebuilt after the civil war and progressively modernised, has become one of the busiest long-distance rail corridors in the country, and disruptions to its flagship express draw quick pushback from unions and passenger groups alike.
