Colombo, Sri Lanka
Maradana Pedestrian Cross
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It's almost like history took an alternate route somewhere in the early 20th century, and time stood still. Dark gloomy caverns and iron girders with bulging rivets are hallmarks of Europe's industrial revolution; classical architecture meeting modern engineering. But instead of the clouds of black coal smoke, the hissing white geysers of steam, and the clanking of the yakada yaka, I watch the blue and silver diesel Udarata Menike shunting into position to link up with its long line of carriages. Maradana is Colombo's second-oldest operational railway station, completed in 1908, to replace the Colombo Terminus on Olcott Avenue, which had functioned as the city's main station since 1865. The Terminus was built when the British created the Ceylon Government Railway to transport tea and coffee from Ambepussa, in the foothills of the Central Highlands, to Colombo. As this rail network was extended further into the mountains and to other parts of the country, it was decided to build a southern coastal line, and with this came the Slave Island Station in the 1870s (Colombo's oldest operational railway station). Thus, the Colombo Terminus was rendered obsolete.
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Very Busy railway station, Most of the trains in coastal line starts here. If you want to ensure to have a seat better come from Colombo fort to here by three wheel or bus. There are separate counters to buy 2nd class and third class tickets. There are 10 platforms here and you better ask which platform to go while buying tickets. Wash rooms facilities and restaurant is available here.
It has two counters. But the one in Panchikawaththa side is closed after about 8 p.m. Train schedule is attractive, but old fashioned. Better to have a digital display.
Ticket counter is good. There are two different gates in different sides to enter the station. Train schedules are clear. Free WiFi available at the station. Safe platforms.
Ticketing system is not good. You have to go early because tickets are sold out quickly
Best station to start to go anywhere in sri Lanka.
Very busy in office start and end times. Will be crowded in queues. Helpful and informative staff.
The seating area for the waiting croud have to be developed a lot. I think there should be few food stalls inside the station since it is one of the main stations in Colombo. If you are getting a train from maradana make sure to buy your snacks out side and go otherwise you will not find shops inside.
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