The Railway Department has announced that passenger train services between Badulla and Nanu Oya will recommence from June 20, following the completion of restoration work on the line damaged by Cyclone Ditwah last year.

A landslide between the Nanu Oya and Ambewela stations had forced services to operate only between Ambewela and Badulla. 

According to the railway Department, repair work has now been fully completed, with a successful trial run conducted yesterday (17) at the affected site.

The National Building Research Organization, working in collaboration with the private sector, restored the damaged section under the supervision of the Railway Department. 

With the reopening, trains will once again run from Nanu Oya to Badulla, reinstating a vital transport link for passengers. (Newswire)

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Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake says Nanu Oya Railway Station’s long-delayed renovation will be expedited, with plans to seek private sector support.

The project, which had been halted intermittently, is seen as vital to improving facilities for both local and foreign tourists. 

During an inspection visit, Minister Rathnayake said the government and the Department of Railways are expected to allocate the required funds, and that upgrading stations with modern services is key to boosting tourism.

Discussions also addressed the impact of the Nanu Oya–Nuwara Eliya railway line on nearby communities. 

Minister Rathnayake further revealed that priority needs identified in and around the station will be completed under the “Dream Destination” program. (Newswire)

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The old railway track from Nanu Oya to Udupussellawa via Nuwara Eliya will be reconstructed to operate an electric train, Minister of Transportation Bandula Gunawardena stated.

According to Daily News, the Minister stated that the railway line will be reconstructed to attract more tourists to the destinations in the central region, including Nuwara Eliya.

Speaking during an event in Nuwara Eliya, he further stated that this railway line which is 31 kilometres in length is to be reconstructed under Build Operate and Transfer model.

Pointing out that this railway line consists of a number of railway stations including the Kandapola Station, which is the sixth-highest railway station in the world, the Minister was of the view that there is vast potential for the development of the tourism industry in this region.

It is reported that the narrow gauge rail track was constructed during the British era but had later been dismantled by the British rulers due to a lack of commercial viability. (NewsWire)

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