Train Operations Limited to Rambukkana After Up-Country Line Disruption

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Railways says that several up-country train services have been cancelled today due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

At present, train operations along the up-country line are limited to Rambukkana, while services between Kandy and Badulla continue to operate as scheduled.

Train movement along the up-country line was disrupted following the derailment of an intercity express train travelling from Kandy to Colombo Fort on Sunday evening.

The Department of Railways reported ten incidents of earth slips and mudslides along the route, with two between Kadigamuwa and Ihala Kotte stations, and eight between Ihala Kotte and Balana stations.

As a result, 24 train services were cancelled yesterday, according to the Department’s statement.

A large mound of soil collapsed onto the track near Ihala Kotte railway station on Sunday evening, causing major disruptions.

Railway department workers began clearing the debris early yesterday morning, and restoration work is still underway.

According to our News 1st correspondent, department staff are continuing efforts to repair and restore the damaged track.

Due to the derailment, several train services, including the night mail train, were cancelled last night.

The Department of Railways further stated that the 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. office trains from Kandy to Colombo Fort, as well as the 6:15 a.m. intercity express from Kandy to Colombo, have been cancelled today.

In addition, the 5:55 a.m. Podimenike train from Colombo Fort to Badulla and the 8:30 a.m. Udarata Menike train from Colombo Fort to Badulla have also been cancelled.