Derail in Maradana: All train services to Polgahawela, Puttalam delayed

A train hauled by Class M11- 953 locomotive derailed between the Maradana and Dematagoda Railway stations this evening, Railway Operations Superintendent Gamini Seneviratne said.

He said the derailment occurred at around 3.20 pm when the train was on its way to Mt. Lavinia from the Maradana yard. The train was scheduled to leave for Polgahawela from Mt. Lavinia at 3.00 pm, he said.

Due to the derailment, though no injuries were reported, the railway track was severely damaged and all the train services to Polgahawela and Puttalam line including the office trains were delayed.

While considering the damage to the railway track, the locomotive and the compartments should be lifted by cranes to place them back on the track, as it could hinder the movements of other trains as long as this derailed train is on the damaged track.
 
However, the maintenance unit was engaged to restore the operations soon, he added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)