Sri Lanka’s railway network continues its phased recovery following the extensive infrastructure damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah and associated floods in late November and early December. According to the latest status report on the Programme for Disaster Recovery and Restoration as of 20 December 2025, substantial progress has been made in restoring rail connectivity across the island nation.
CURRENT RESTORATION STATUS
Approximately 534 km of non-operable railway tracks (33%) have been repaired. A total of 1,108 km of track length has been restored after 19 days from the disaster, representing 59% of the total railway track length.
PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICES COMMENCED UP TO:
- Main Line – Colombo Fort to Rambukkana
- Northern Line – Colombo Fort to Maho
- Puttalam Line – Colombo Fort to Nattandiya
- Coastal Line – Maradana to Beliatta
- Kelani Valley Line – Colombo Fort to Awissawella
Trincomalee Line: Maho to Trincomalee section is currently permitted for goods train operations only.
Batticaloa Line: Passenger train services from Colombo Fort to Polonnaruwa are finalized to commence from 18 December 2025.
The highly demanded tourist train service on the Main Line between Badulla and Ambewela will be commenced soon after fulfilling the immediate recommendations of the NBRO.
RAILWAY DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS
- Restoration – Resuming operations as early as possible
- Rehabilitation – Strengthening damaged sections, removing speed restrictions, and improving resilience
- Reconstruction – Constructing new, disaster-resilient railway infrastructure
PLANNED OPERATIONAL TARGETS
- 09.12.2025 – 56% track availability (Achieved: 69% as at 16.12.2025)
- 01.01.2026 – 80% track availability
- 01.02.2026 – Over 83% track availability
KEY OPERATIONAL MILESTONES:
- 01 Jan 2026 – Northern Line operational up to Mahawa and to be extended to Kankesanthurai
- 01 Jan 2026 – Puttalam Line operational up to Nattandiya and to be extended to Puttalam
- 01 Jan 2026 – Batticaloa Line fully reopened for passenger train operations
- 01 Jan 2026 – Trincomalee Line fully reopened for passenger train operations
- 01 Jan 2026 – Regional tourist train service to be introduced between Badulla and Ambewela (NBRO approval received on 16.12.2025; railway works in progress)
- 15 Jan 2026 – Track temporarily restored up to Wattegama and stranded train recovered to Kandy; line closure initiated for Mahaiyawa culvert repairs
- 01 Feb 2026 – Talaimannar Line to be reopened for train operations
DAMAGE OVERVIEW
Railway lines were affected by over 159 landslides, 95 washouts, track subsidence, bridge and culvert damage, flooding, fallen trees, and more than 286 other weather-related incidents across the network.
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATION FOR REHABILITATION & RECONSTRUCTION
(1 USD = Rs. 300)
Total estimated damage: Rs. 341 billion
(Approx. USD 1.137 billion) – Construction of new, disaster-resilient railway infrastructure
Estimated requirement for rehabilitation and reconstruction: Rs. 128 billion
(Approx. USD 427 million) – Strengthening damaged sections, removing speed restrictions, and improving resilience
Last Updated on Friday, 19 December 2025 11:26
