COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — September 12, 2026 — Train services between Colombo Fort and Kandy via Peradeniya are expected to resume next month, according to Railway Department Chief Engineer Priyantha Digala.
Digala stated that arrangements are being made to restart train operations along the route as reconstruction work on the railway line between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa nears completion. He attributed the progress achieved so far to the dedication and commitment of railway employees involved in the reconstruction efforts.
The completion of the remaining work is expected to pave the way for the resumption of Colombo–Kandy train services in October 2026.
The hill country main line sustained severe damage when Cyclone Dithwa struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025, triggering widespread flooding and landslides across the island and affecting more than 1.7 million people. The railway line was damaged at 97 locations, severing one of the country’s most vital transport corridors and impacting daily commuters, tourism operators, and regional economies dependent on the Colombo–Kandy connection.
The most heavily damaged section, between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa, has been the focus of intensive reconstruction efforts. Additional challenges were encountered at the Peradeniya Black Bridge, also known as the “Devil’s Bridge,” where construction was temporarily halted after rising water levels in the Mahaweli River submerged equipment. Work on this critical structure is also nearing completion, clearing the final obstacle to full resumption of services.
For travellers, the restoration of the Colombo–Kandy line represents the return of direct rail connectivity between the commercial capital and the cultural heartland. The journey typically takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes, with multiple daily services operating between Colombo Fort and Kandy stations.
In addition to Sri Lanka Railways, the Sri Lankan Trains website serves as a valuable resource for travellers, offering up-to-date schedule information, fare details, and online train booking services for the Colombo–Kandy route and other key rail journeys across the island.
The resumption of services comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, remains one of the country’s premier destinations for international visitors. The Colombo–Kandy railway, renowned for its scenic passage through tea plantations and mist-covered hills, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque train journeys. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the restoration as a significant boost for tourism recovery in the central highlands.
Sri Lanka Railways has stated that all necessary safety inspections, signalling tests, and operational assessments will be completed prior to the resumption of passenger services, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability for the travelling public.
About Sri Lanka Railways
Sri Lanka Railways is the state-owned railway operator responsible for passenger and freight services across the island nation. Its network connects major cities, cultural sites, and scenic regions, serving as a cornerstone of the country’s public transport infrastructure.