Railway ticket fares to increase this month

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Railways says that the  ticket prices will be increased this month.

Sri Lanka Railways General Manager, Dhammika Jayasundara stated that ticket prices will increase to 40% of the bus fare within this month, as the Cabinet had also approved it.

He noted that it is expected to reduce the loss made by the Sri Lanka Railways by Rs. 6 billion by increasing the ticket prices.

Jayasundara said that currently, the train ticket price is about 20% in comparison to the bus fare.

The General Manager said that due to the existing ticket charges, the railway department incurs a loss of around Rs. 30 million per day.

He said that Sri Lanka Railways spends Rs. 45 million on fuel daily, however, only generates a daily revenue of approximately Rs. 15 million.