Sri Lanka, June 17 -- Reconstruction of the upcountry railway line, severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, is now officially targeted for completion by the end of this year, with a major focus on fully restoring service between Colombo and Badulla.
While inspecting the reconstruction work, Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena told the media that the damage to the 292-kilometre upcountry main line was estimated at US$ 300 million, affecting 223 locations with landslides, soil washouts, and severe track subsidence.
While earlier phases aimed for completion by September, the extensive structural repairs have shifted the timeline for full continuous operation to the year's end. Even though significant portions of the trac...