Sri Lanka’s Iconic Up Country Railway Track: What We Know?

SECTION BETWEEN AMBEWELA AND BADULLA TO START ON JANUARY 1ST

Sri Lanka’s upcountry railway line, which connects the iconic tourism destinations of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, is expected to take at least a year or more to be fully restored.

This is following severe damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Currently the section from Colombo to Rambukkana is operational and also the stretch between Peradeniya and Gampola.

Whilst section between Ambewela and Badulla, a key tourist segment will start on the 1st January.

Railway engineers has stated that the Main Line railway, which links Colombo with Badulla, is among the worst-affected sections of the country’s rail network.

380 locations along the 298.4-kilometre stretch of the upcountry railway track have been damaged due to the cyclone.

“The most severe impact is within the stretch between Rambukkana and Badulla,” said Priyantha Digalage, Railway Engineer in charge of the Main Line restoration work.

The upcountry railway is widely regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Over the years, millions of tourists from across the globe have travelled along this route, enjoying its breathtaking landscapes.

The world-famous Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, located along this railway line, is one of the most photographed railway bridges globally and remains a major attraction for visitors.

No Damage has been reported in the ‘Bridge’ owing to the Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lanka’s upcountry railway dates back to 1864, having been constructed during British colonial rule, which ended in 1948.

With a history spanning over 150 years, the railway was originally built to transport tea and other agricultural produce from the hill country to Colombo.

However today, the line is celebrated for its scenic ride.

It travels through diverse climatic zones and geographical landscapes, including lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, paddy fields, waterfalls, and streams, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured travel experiences.