Regular train services on the Upcountry Railway Line between Colombo and Peradeniya are scheduled to resume on October 2, following restoration work on sections of the line severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

The Department of Railways said 103 locations between Rambukkana and Gampola were damaged during the cyclone.

The damage included 36 major landslides, while a further 67 locations were affected by earth slips and sections of the railway line being washed away.

Accordingly, following the completion of restoration work, trains will operate between Colombo Fort and Peradeniya and also between Peradeniya and Gampola. 

Trains operating from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya and Gampola will resume according to the regular timetable from October 2, the Department of Railways said.

According to the timetable issued by the Department of Railways, the Intercity Express Train No. 1029 will operate from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya on October 2, departing Colombo Fort at 3.35 p.m. and arriving in Peradeniya at 5.56 p.m.

The Train No. 1030 will operate from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort on October 3, departing Peradeniya at 6.25 a.m. and reaching Colombo Fort at 8.44 a.m.

Meanwhile, Train No. 1035 will depart Colombo Fort at 4.35 p.m. on October 2, reaching Rambukkana at 6.10 a.m., Peradeniya at 7.17 a.m. and Gampola at 7.51 a.m.

In the opposite direction, Train No. 1040 will depart Gampola at 4.35 a.m. on October 3 and reach Peradeniya at 4.56 a.m., Rambukkana at 6.21 a.m., Polgahawela at 6.34 a.m., Alawwa at 6.45 a.m. and Colombo Fort at 8.06 a.m.

Train No. 1037 will operate from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya on October 2, departing Colombo Fort at 5.15 a.m., reaching Rambukkana at 6.48 a.m. and Peradeniya at 7.53 a.m.

Train No. 1038 will operate from Peradeniya towards Colombo Fort on October 3, departing Peradeniya at 4.40 a.m., reaching Rambukkana at 5.43 a.m. and Colombo Fort at 7.06 a.m.

Meanwhile, a special service, Train No. 1005/1006, is also scheduled to operate on October 3.

The service from Colombo Fort towards Gampola will depart Colombo Fort at 5.55 a.m., reach Peradeniya at 8.34 a.m. and arrive in Gampola at 9.06 a.m.

The return service will depart Gampola at 4.10 a.m., reach Peradeniya at 4.31 a.m. and Colombo Fort at 7.23 a.m.

Passengers travelling on the Upcountry Railway Line have been advised to take note of the revised timetable when planning their journeys.