Residents in several villages between Gampola and Ulapane are facing severe commuting difficulties as the disruption of railway services along the section has continued for nearly two months following damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Train No. 1153, commonly known as the “School Train,” which usually operates between Kandy and Nawalapitiya, has remained out of service since November 27 after the railway track collapsed at two locations near the Warakapitiya Sub-Railway Station.
According to railway officials, a mound of earth had fallen onto the track, preventing the train from proceeding. When the driver attempted to reverse the train towards Gampola, a bend in the track was detected along the Gampola–Warakapitiya section, prompting the driver to move the train to a safer location between the Ulapane and Warakapitiya substations.
Residents in the affected areas said the train was safely stopped due to the driver’s experience and familiarity with the terrain, averting a potential accident.
However, villagers who depend on the train as their main mode of public transport said they are now forced to rely on costly and time-consuming alternative travel arrangements. Many reported increased daily expenses and delays in reaching workplaces and schools.
Locals have called on the Railway Department to urgently commence repairs to the damaged track and restore services, warning that prolonged delays will further burden communities already affected by adverse weather conditions.
Railway sources said the train’s driver and staff returned to the Nawalapitiya railway station three days after the incident, while repair work on the affected railway section has yet to begin.
