Sections of main line tracks overgrown since cyclone

By Shantha Chandrasiri 

Several sections of the upcountry railway line have become overgrown with brush following the suspension of train services caused by Cyclone Ditwah and related landslides. 

Train service has, however, been restored between Ambewela and Badulla, and Nawalapitiya and Watawala. Railway engineers and workers are at present attending to the repairs of the railway line from Rambukkana to Nawalapitiya and Ambewela to Nanuoya.  Train service on the mainline has come to a standstill for more than 75 days, causing hardship to the people living in the villages accessible only by train. They said a big slice of their daily income is being spent on transport. 

A senior official of Nawalapitiya control room said that after restoring the railway line from Nanuoya to Ambewela, the railway engines stalled at Nanuoya could be used to operate the train service between Nanuoya and Badulla.