GoSL once said that it would lay a new track parallel to the old up-to maho thereby making it a double line. None of these happened but they should now seriously consider rebuilding the maho-anuradhapura section as the condition of it is dreadful and deteriorating fast. The jaffna intercity has to take on a harsh beating while doing only around 55-60 on this section.

Now this project is under bid preparation stage. IRCON proposes they would like to lay a paralel line. But railway department arguing that they don't have a double line form POL-MHO. So the thing will be a rehabilitation from MHO to Omanthai. From Apur to Omanthai also a weak trak.

Train services have been disrupted on the upcountry line between kotagala and Hatton due to a derailment when the night mail was traversing through the section. This has taken place over a bridge which is worst case scenario as it has ripped through the sleepers and also metal structural components which holds the bridge. To make matters worse the steam crane which was deployed to assist the situation too had derailed and as a result the control room says that it would take two weeks to resolve the situation.

On a side note did anyone notice what locomotive was deployed with the night mail yesterday. For what I saw it looked like the M2 627, someone please confirm.

Any serious damage to the loco and the train? Hope SLR would complete the railway lines for upcountry with ballasted concrete asap.

Matara-Beliatta railway extension project

Renovation of Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa railway line complete in two years

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - 13:15

Irangika Range

The renovation work of the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa railway line which has been suspended for many years due to the conflict will be commenced shortly to facilitate an efficient passenger and goods transportation.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the restoration project will be completed within two years.

Minister De Silva made these remarks during an observation tour in Polonnaruwa Railway station today.

Over 12,000 sleepers are required for the reconstruction of 90 kilometer long railway line between Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa and around 10,000 sleepers have already been brought to the site.

“Currently, trains run on this line at a very low speed of 60km per hour due to many bridges and over 60 culverts. But, trains can speed over 100 km per hour easily after the renovation reducing the time needed to travel passengers between Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa,” said the Minister.

He further said that the encroachment by people on the railway land is a main reason to delay the renovation. Steps will be taken to remove unauthorized occupants according to existing circulars approved by the Cabinet for the eviction of people.

Land surveying and mapping are being conducted currently to acquire lands belonging to the Sri Lanka Railways.

Up to PLG and beyond OMT the track is good. Trains can run up to 100kmph and 120kmph respectively (beyond OMT. but recently they have reduced the speed limit as I heard)

And no, I'm not aware of the time line of the project. I also heard about double tracking proposal. I think it's much needed. And I agree with Mach3 about the condition of the said section. It's in very serious condition and need an repair ASAP.

Locomotives were safe (the train consisted two locos) three varies were badly damaged. And track was badly damaged too. The bridge also had some damages. Anyways re-railing works are finished now. Track repairs are going on now. By a day or two they will finish everything I hope.

Train Accident in Hatton

How did this happened ? did the loco driver exceed the speed limit on the bridge ? Any latest update on Hatton railway line ? have they moved those 3 damaged carriages to Repair centre?
SLR have to upgrade the upcountry railway lines asap. It's affecting the passenger safely and tourism.



Source: Lakbima NewsPaper

What is the train name ? why it was hauled by two locos on the day of the accident ? According to above video, one of the loco which hauled the train was W3.

The train was the Colombo - Badulla Night Mail, no.#1045. It was hauled by two locomotives, one was M2c 627 and the other was an M6. Both locos were double headed, instead of one loco which was supposed to be banking the train from behind. I got info from some driver stating that their is some kind of a gradient into the entry to the Kotagala railway bridge, and the train was a bit too fast while entering the bridge, whereas the carriages started wobbling and bouncing, causing it to derail.
The W3 in the video is only for the break down train, and there was also an M5c, no.767 involved in the break down train. Making matter worse, even the steam crane which was hauled by M6 795 had also derailed.

Hatton Train Road is Clear



Source: Lakbima NewsPaper

Pure BS......the Indians were the better team that night in Mumbai

01. Obtaining funds for Department of Railway to purchase 09 diesel power sets (Document No – 07)

The proposal made by Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to enter into loan agreements with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Hatton National Bank for obtaining funds for the above project, which the cost is estimated as USD 93.86, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE CABINET OF MINISTERS AT ITS MEETING HELD ON 25-07-2017

NEWS.LK