Sri Lanka Railways Restores Main Line Train Services Up to Peradeniya and Gampola Starting October 2 Following Cyclone Ditwa

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka : Train services on the critical Main Line up to Peradeniya and Gampola are officially set to resume starting the evening of October 2, 2026, following extensive recovery efforts after the severe disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwa.

The cyclone inflicted severe damage across the Rambukkana to Gampola section of the Main Line, impacting over 103 locations. The destruction included 36 major landslides alongside 67 instances of earth slips and embankment collapses. Despite immense logistical challenges—including steep gradients between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa, limited alternative access routes for heavy machinery, adverse weather conditions, and the need to transport materials entirely via the railway network—the Way and Works Department of Sri Lanka Railways, working closely with the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), successfully restored the tracks to a safe operating condition.

With reconstruction finalized, regular operations between Colombo Fort, Peradeniya, and Gampola will commence on October 2, 2026, accompanied by newly structured schedules for intercity and popular express services, such as the Podi Menike (Trains No. 1005/1006) starting October 3.

This milestone marks a vital step in reconnecting the hill country and restoring reliable public transit for commuters and travelers across the island.