(October 2), after a suspension of more than 10 months.
Train operations on the Rambukkana–Gampola section were suspended after Cyclone Ditwah damaged 103 locations along the railway line.
Following the cyclone, railway services have been gradually restored in several stages. Services between Ambewela and Badulla, and Colombo Fort and Rambukkana, were resumed first.
At present, services are operating normally between Nanu Oya and Badulla, and Nawalapitiya and Hatton. From October 2, services to Peradeniya and Gampola will also resume.
However, train services between Peradeniya and Kandy will remain suspended as restoration work on the Peradeniya Black Bridge has not yet been completed. Heavy rainfall has posed challenges to completing the construction work.
Once the restoration of the bridge is completed, train services to Kandy and Matale are expected to resume.
Meanwhile, restoration work continues on the Gampola–Nawalapitiya and Hatton–Nanu Oya sections of the railway line.
The Department of Railways stated that approximately 75% of the Upcountry Railway Line is now operational.
Accordingly, the regular train timetable from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya and Gampola will come into effect from the afternoon of October 2, with eight daily train services, including intercity services.
Advance seat reservations will also be available under the new timetable.
