The Railway Department has announced that the popular open-car ‘Calypso’ train, a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists, will operate four times a day from Demodara to Bandarawela starting from the 14th of this month.
To mark this milestone, a special maiden journey will be held in tribute to the team behind the creation of the train, including Chief Mechanical Engineer Nishantha Perera, Superintendent Engineer Project Development Krishantha Gallage, and seven others. Their efforts, along with a dedicated team of 30 railway personnel, transformed a decommissioned train into the vibrant ‘Calypso’ train in less than a year, showcasing the country’s engineering expertise.
Originally launched on April 5th last year, the ‘Calypso’ train was built at a cost of Rs. 5.5 million. It features four open-top coaches, offering breathtaking views of scenic landmarks such as the Demodara Bridge, Ravana Ella, Rail Gate, and other picturesque sites along the upcountry railway. Additionally, an observation coach has been elegantly designed with wooden carvings, adding to its unique charm.
Railway General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara emphasized that increasing the train’s frequency aligns with efforts to promote tourism and preserve the rich heritage of the upcountry railway for the national interest.
(dailynews.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
