The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLRSMU) has raised serious safety concerns over the resumption of train services on the Up-country railway line, alleging that operations commenced following restoration work without approval from the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).
SLRSMU General Secretary Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said the situation was serious, particularly as warnings have also been issued over possible earthslips and rockfalls at two other locations along the railway line.
“We request the department to reinvestigate and look into the matters properly prior to starting train services, without endangering the lives of passengers,” Jayasekara said.
His comments came after the first office train operating from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort following the restoration of the line derailed early this morning (05).
The train, which departed Peradeniya Railway Station at around 4.35 a.m., derailed in the area between Ihalakotte, Kadigamuwa and Gangoda after earth and rocks had fallen onto the railway track.
The engine and one carriage derailed after the driver was reportedly unable to clearly see the obstruction on the track.
Train services between Colombo Fort, Peradeniya and Gampola had resumed on October 02 after the section remained closed for nearly 10 months due to severe damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Following today’s derailment, passengers on board made their way via alternative routes to the Kadigamuwa bus route before travelling by bus to Rambukkana.
The Railway Department subsequently arranged an additional train from Rambukkana to Colombo to transport the affected passengers. (Newswire)