The loneliest train in the world?

• Train stranded for four months after landslide damages track

By J.A.L. Jayasinghe and Chandana Uduwawala 

A train halted near the Ulapane–Warakapitiya Railway Station has remained stranded for four months after a landslide triggered by heavy rains associated with the Ditwah cyclone caused severe damage to the railway line, railway department sources said.

The train was operating from Colombo to Nanu Oya via Kandy and Nawalapitiya at the time of the incident. It comprises nine compartments, including an air-conditioned coach. According to the Station Masters’ Trade Union, the locomotive alone is valued at around Rs. 200 million, while the total value of the train is estimated at approximately Rs. 700 million. 

Representatives of the railway drivers’ union said the train is in near-new condition but cannot be moved to any station because the track in the affected area has been extensively damaged by the landslide. The train typically generates about Rs. 400,000 in daily revenue, and its prolonged suspension has resulted in losses amounting to several millions of rupees for the Railway Department. 

The Ulapane–Warakapitiya section of the railway line has suffered heavy damage due to the major earth slip, officials said.