Luggage cars proposed for backpacks

The Railways Department should also provide foreign tourists and long distance travelers separate compartments to transport their large bag packs and luggage, said the general secretary of the Locomotive Engineers Union Indika Dodangaoda.

He added that both backpackers and commuters face difficulty as the large bags and backpacks obstruct local passengers.

“Earlier, railways offered such services and they are capable of enforcing a law on the size of backpacks — 15 kilogram backpacks without paying extra charges. But now this is not strictly followed,” he said.

He also said that the railway security must step in when local and foreign backpackers obstruct passengers.

“It would be nice if the railway authorities maintain luggage compartments in long distance trains and provide security.’’