Train Services on Coastal Line Operating Normally Today (18)

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Railways says train operations on the Coastal Line are running as scheduled today (18), following the successful re-railment of the Galu Kumari train which was derailed earlier.

According to the department, the Galu Kumari train—operating from Maradana to Beliatta—was derailed near the Gintota railway station on the afternoon of the day before yesterday (16).

One track was restored and reopened for train movement by around 12 noon yesterday 
(17), allowing limited services to resume.

Damage to the railway track occurred due to the derailment, and visuals showed the extent of the impact.

As derailments continue to occur frequently, News 1st reached out to the President of the Railway Station Masters' Union, Sumedha Somaratne, to inquire about the causes behind this recurring issue.

He stated that there are several reasons behind frequent derailments, with one of them being the poor condition of the railway lines, and another is the outdated state of the carriages.

He added that these incidents occur because proper maintenance is not being carried out.

Somaratne went on to note that if necessary measures are not taken immediately, train operations could come to a disastrous halt by the end of the year.