News
Tourists in train trap
View(s):Pix and text Nayananda Buwaneka
Passengers and residents in the areas around Pattipola and Idalgashinna railway stations claim that the Ministry of Tourism and the Railway Security Department have not shown sufficient concern for the safety of passengers, both local and foreign, who hang from train doors to enjoy the scenic views. They say such incidents occur mainly because many passengers are unaware of the dangers involved.
The residents have urged the authorities to introduce a proper awareness programme to educate foreign visitors about railway safety. They have also called on the Ministry of Tourism and the Railway Security Department to deploy officers to monitor the route and ensure that such accidents do not occur in the future.
The scenic upcountry railway line continues to attract large numbers of both local and foreign tourists daily, with the stretch from Nanu Oya to Badulla regarded as one of the most beautiful routes in Sri Lanka.
However, residents along the railway line have raised concerns over the unsafe behaviour of some passengers, particularly foreign tourists, who are seen hanging from train doors to enjoy the view between Pattipola and Idalgashinna stations. This section offers some of the most picturesque scenery on the route but also includes steep bends and sharp curves.
Several accidents have already been reported this year on the winding stretch between Pattipola and Ohiya, resulting in multiple injuries and a few fatalities among local passengers. Despite these incidents, no effective measures appear to have been taken to warn or guide tourists travelling in unsafe ways, residents of the area claim.
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