Train services, which are currently restricted to Rambukkana due to extensive damage caused by the Ditwah Cyclone, will gradually resume along the full route once the remaining repairs are completed, officials said.
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, who conducted an निरीक्षion visit on March 25 near Elgin Falls between Nanuoya and Ambewela, stated that only one severely affected section remains under reconstruction.
The railway line, a critical transport link for both commuters and the tourism industry in the hill country, had sustained damage at 14 locations due to landslides, soil subsidence and erosion. Authorities confirmed that 13 of these locations have already been restored, with work continuing at the final site.
Reconstruction is being carried out under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, with technical guidance from the National Building Research Institute. Engineers have implemented soil stabilization and conservation measures to ensure long-term resilience of the track.
The Minister noted that the expedited completion of the project would help ease transport difficulties faced by the public and revive economic activity in the upcountry region, where the railway serves as a primary mode of travel.
He also commended railway workers and technical staff for maintaining steady progress under difficult conditions over the past four months, assuring continued government support until full operations are restored.
