Train Services Resume on Badulla–Ambewela Section After 23 Days
Train services on the Badulla–Ambewela section of the Upcountry Railway Line resumed yesterday morning (20) after a 23-day suspension caused by severe damage during the ‘Ditwa’ disaster, according to the Railway Department.
Marking the restoration, a special Upcountry Menike train powered by Class S14 sets departed Badulla at 8.00 a.m., completing its maiden journey on the repaired section.
The Upcountry railway route is a major attraction for foreign tourists, especially those visiting Nuwara Eliya and Ella. In view of its importance to tourism, ongoing modernisation work on the line has been temporarily suspended to facilitate the resumption of train operations.
The Railway Department has decided to operate several daily train services between Badulla and Ambewela from today to ease passenger travel.
The event to mark the reopening of the rail section was attended by Minister Samantha Vidyaratne, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, along with other officials.
