World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Sri Lanka Railways resumes Upcountry Line services after decade-long suspension
Sri Lanka Railways has restored train services on the Upcountry Railway Line following a suspension lasting approximately ten months. The resumption includes rail connections between Colombo and key hill country stations including Peradeniya and Gampola.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) has commenced operations on the Upcountry Railway Line, marking the restoration of a critical transport link serving the central highlands. According to SLR Deputy General Manager (Traffic) Asanka Samarasinghe, passenger services between Colombo and Peradeniya resumed on October 2, with additional connections extended to Gampola.
The resumption follows an extended interruption of approximately ten months, during which the service remained suspended. The Upcountry Railway Line represents a vital transportation corridor for residents and commerce in the hill country region, connecting the capital with major towns in Sri Lanka's central highlands.
The restoration of services is expected to ease transportation challenges for commuters and facilitate improved connectivity between Colombo and the upcountry districts. SLR has indicated that the resumption reflects completion of necessary maintenance and operational preparations required for safe service delivery on the route.
The Upcountry Line, one of Sri Lanka's historic rail corridors, traverses challenging terrain through the central highlands and has historically served as a key transport artery for the region's communities and economic activity.