Train services between Peradeniya and Colombo, which were suspended after being damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, are expected to resume in October, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said.
He said construction work on the severely damaged section of the Upcountry railway line between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa is also scheduled to be completed by September 15.
A total of 97 locations along the Upcountry railway line were severely affected by landslides following Cyclone Ditwah. Construction work has already been completed at most locations between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa, while work at two remaining locations is nearing completion.
Tilina Swarnamal, the site engineer of the company carrying out the reconstruction, said the work on the Rambukkana–Kadugannawa section is now in its final stage and is expected to be fully completed by September 15.
Meanwhile, construction work on the Peradeniya Kalu Palama, commonly known as the Yaka Bridge, faced further difficulties after rising water levels in the Mahaweli River submerged some machinery.
However, Deputy Minister Gunasena said work on the bridge would also be expedited, with the aim of restoring train services from Kandy to Colombo as soon as possible.
