First office train after Upcountry line repairs derails after hitting earth and rocks

The first office train to operate from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort following repairs to the Upcountry railway line derailed early Monday after striking a mound of earth and rocks between Gangoda and Kadigamuwa railway stations.

The incident occurred at around 4.40 a.m. after earth and rocks fell onto the track.

The derailment has caused delays to all trains operating on the Upcountry railway line.

The railway had recently been repaired after sustaining damage from Cyclone Ditwah.

The front section of the train was also damaged in the incident.

Train driver D.A.P. Sendanayake said the obstruction became visible only when 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 then caused the train to strike a rock,” he said.