Colombo-Badulla train stuck due to rock fall

By Prasad Rukmal

BADULLA (Daily Mirror) - The night-mail train from Colombo Fort to Badulla has been stuck between Haputale and Diyatalawa railway stations due to a rock falling on the train and the railway line this morning, the Railways Department said.

They said the train was stuck while passing the Haputale station at the 156/13-mile post. The engine of the train has been damaged, and there have been no injuries reported.

The train was driven by two engines. After the rock fell on the front engine, the other engine attached to the rear of the train took the compartments back to the Haputale station. Currently, the night mail train is parked at the Haputale station. 

Transport facilities were arranged for the commuters stranded at the Haputale station.

The Railways Department has taken measures to remove the stuck engine. 

The Udarata Menike train departed from Badulla at 5.45 a.m. and is currently stationed at the Bandarawela railway station.

Due to this incident, up-country train services between Badulla and Colombo have been disrupted, an official from the department said.