News
Railways in ruins after Ditwah
View(s):By Rekha Fonseka
Sri Lanka’s railway system has been damaged due to rains and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Signaling systems have been damaged, erosion and landslides have destroyed portions of railway tracks, railway bridges have collapsed, and railway stations subjected to landslides. Tunnels on the upcountry railway line too have been damaged.
Railway tracks to historic and scenic places have also been affected by landslides, sinking as well as breaking, impacting tourism.
General Manager of Railways, Ravindra Pathmapriya told the Sunday Times that the damages to the upcountry line is yet to be valued.
Earth slips and water seeping through mountainous areas show that the danger has not passed yet. Mr Pathmapriya added that due to the danger of landslides occurring, areas which were devastated could not be reached.
He added that they hope to identify the areas prone to landslide risks and rebuild railway stations and track as soon as possible.
Mr Pathmapriya added that 39 trains which were operating on the upcountry line during the adverse weather conditions need to be taken to Colombo for servicing and maintenance. Yet the damage to the track has also obstructed that.
He added that security has been deployed to ensure security of trains which remain stopped half way. He also pointed out people too should be responsible to protect public property.
Sri Lanka Railways had not yet decided whether they would get foreign support to repair the damaged railway lines. (More pictures on https://www.sundaytimes.lk/)
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