Sri Lanka Railways to resume train operations between Badulla and Nanu Oya

The Sri Lanka Railway Department announced that a section of the Upcountry Railway Line that was temporarily halted due to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah has been reopened.

This has enabled the resumption of the service from Badulla to the Nanu Oya railway station, after the stretch between Ambewela and Nanu Oya was restored.

The service had been restricted only from Badulla to Ambewela, but from June 20, two round trips between Badulla and Nanu Oya will be operated daily.

Damage and repairs

The railway track between Ambewela and Nanu Oya on the Upcountry Line was damaged due to a landslide measuring 65 feet deep, 100 feet wide, and 120 feet long triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

Despite the absence of alternative routes and the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Way and Works Sub-Department of the Railways Department successfully completed the reconstruction work under the technical advice of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).

Furthermore, the Railways Department states that work is currently underway to quickly restore the remaining obstructed sections of the Upcountry Line towards Colombo.

New Train Schedule

Three train services will operate along this line, with the 1005/1006 Special Train operating daily – the 1005 will depart from Nanu Oya at 09:00 a.m. and arrive in Badulla at 12:16 p.m., with the 1006 departing from Badulla at 03:00 p.m., and arriving in Nanu Oya at 06:06 p.m.

The 1015/1016 Special Train will operate on all days, except Wednesday – the 1015 departing from Nanu Oya at 02:30 p.m., and arriving in Badulla at 05:46 p.m., with the 1016 departing from Badulla at 09:00 a.m. and arriving in Nanu Oya at 12:16 p.m.

The Ella Odyssey Special Train meanwhile will operate only on Wednesday, with the 1043 departing from Nanu Oya at 01:00 p.m. and arriving in Badulla at 4:12 p.m. and the 1044 departing from Badulla at 07:45 a.m. and arriving in Nanu Oya at 11:29 a.m.

The Railway Department added that all of these operating trains are equipped with First Class (Air-Conditioned) and Second Class seat reservation facilities.

Passengers can reserve seats by visiting railway stations or through the official website: seatreservation.railway.gov.uk.