Train services to Peradeniya and Gampola to resume from October 2

Train services on the Upcountry Railway Line to Peradeniya and Gampola will resume from October 2 after a suspension of more than 10 months.

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.

Operations on the Rambukkana–Gampola section were suspended after Cyclone Ditwah damaged 103 locations along the railway line. Restoration of railway services after the cyclone has proceeded in several stages. Services between Ambewela and Badulla, and between Colombo Fort and Rambukkana, were resumed first. Services are now operating normally between Nanu Oya and Badulla, and between Nawalapitiya and Hatton.

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 restoration of the bridge is completed, train services to Kandy and Matale are expected to resume.

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.