A train operating from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort yesterday (5) derailed after crashing into fallen earth and rocks between the Gangoda and Kadigamuwa Railway Stations, just three days after services resumed on the repaired section of the Upcountry Railway line.
The incident occurred at around 4.35 a.m., when the first office train from Peradeniya to Fort travelled along the line that had been closed for nearly 10 months due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The locomotive and one carriage derailed after the train struck a mound of earth and rocks that had fallen across the track. The front section of the train was also damaged in the incident.
Train driver D A P Sendanayake said the mound was not clearly visible until the train was less than 10 metres away.
“A mound of earth had fallen across the track. When we saw it, we were less than 10 metres away. The train hit the mound of earth and was thrown off the track. The impact caused the train to hit a rock, which resulted in the damage seen here,” he said.
Following the derailment, passengers were taken via an alternative route to the Kadigamuwa bus road and transported by bus to Rambukkana. The Railways Department subsequently arranged an additional train from Rambukkana to Colombo for the affected passengers.
Train services on the Upcountry line experienced delays following the incident.
The derailment occurred just two days after services between Fort, Peradeniya and Gampola resumed on 2 October following repairs to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
However, the Railway Station Masters' Association has alleged that services were resumed on the repaired section without clearance from the National Building Research Institute (NBRI).
Meanwhile, services between Rambukkana and Peradeniya were temporarily suspended following the incident as railway officials worked to clear the fallen earth and rocks and restore the track.
The Railways Department said restoration work was nearing completion, with the 4.35 p.m. train from Fort to Gampola and the 5.15 p.m. train from Fort to Peradeniya scheduled to operate as usual yesterday.