Train operations on the Badulla–Colombo Fort route have returned to normal following a derailment that disrupted services on the Upcountry Railway Line yesterday (15), the railway control room announced.
The No. 1 Weekend Special Express, which left Colombo Fort for Badulla at 5.30 a.m., derailed while passing Heeloya Railway Station and approaching Kithalella. According to officials, the train’s double-engine set and the rear compartment that derailed were restored to the tracks by railway workers later in the day.
The incident caused significant delays to several key services. The Ella Odyssey, Podimenike Special Express and Udarata Menike trains travelling from Colombo Fort to Badulla all arrived at their destination hours behind schedule.
Train No. 1046, the night mail service from Badulla to Colombo Fort, also experienced a delay of nearly three hours, departing at around 9.45 p.m. instead of its scheduled 6.30 p.m. departure.
