The government will take all necessary steps to resume train services to Kandy within a year, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said on Saturday (10).
Responding to questions from journalists, Gunasena said the railway track stretch from Rambukkana to Peradeniya has suffered the most damage due to the Ditwah disaster, and repairs are estimated to cost around US$74 million.
“To restore the Peradeniya bridge, commonly known as the ‘Yaka Palama’, alone will cost about US$18 million. Therefore, restoring this track involves a huge cost. However, we are doing our best to at least run trains to Kandy within a year,” he said.
He further noted that the work cannot end there, as the tourism industry is heavily reliant on railway connectivity to areas such as Ella and Nuwara Eliya. He said the Gampola–Nawalapitiya section has also sustained severe damage, with repairs estimated at around US$35 million. After that, the section from Nawalapitiya to Nanu Oya will also need restoration, highlighting the extensive scope of work required.
Gunasena added that the government does not face a shortage of funds for these repairs, as sufficient financial resources are available. However, he said the main challenge lies in manpower and machinery, which will take time to mobilize.
“As soon as the disaster occurred, the President intervened and allocated Rs. 500 billion for disaster management. So we don’t have any issue with funds,” he said. (NewsWire)
