Delay in resuming Talaimannar train services

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) - Despite the completion of repair and maintenance work on the Talaimannar railway line, which was damaged by severe weather last year, train services have yet to resume, drawing criticism from railway trade unions.

The Railway Department suspended operations on the Talaimannar line following extensive damage caused by the Ditwah cyclone disaster. However, railway sources said officers and staff attached to the Railway Track Division completed the necessary rehabilitation work more than a month ago, restoring the line to a standard that allows trains to operate at speeds of up to 120 kmph.

Despite the completion of repairs, train services on the line have not recommenced, raising concerns among passengers and trade unions.

Prior to the suspension, the Talaimannar line operated two daytime trains and four night mail trains daily. The service was widely used by passengers travelling between Colombo and Anuradhapura via the Northern railway route. In addition, members of the armed forces, war veterans, and devotees travelling to the Madhu Shrine regularly relied on the service due to the presence of several military camps and headquarters in the region.

Railway trade unions have alleged that authorities have delayed the resumption of services, citing a shortage of locomotives, a move they say has caused significant inconvenience to passengers.

Calling for immediate action, the trade unions urged the relevant authorities to intervene and take the necessary steps to restore train operations on the Talaimannar line without further delay.