Train operations from Peradeniya to Colombo, which were suspended following damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, will resume in October, according to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr Prasanna Gunasena.

He stated that construction on the section of the Upcountry railway line from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa, which sustained severe damage due to the cyclone, is scheduled for completion by September 15.

A total of 97 locations along the Upcountry railway line suffered severe landslides as a result of Cyclone Ditwah.

Reconstruction work at most locations along the track between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa has now been completed, with operations at two remaining sites progressing rapidly towards completion.

Thilina Swarnamal, site engineer for the construction company executing the project, confirmed that work on the Rambukkana-Kadugannawa railway line is in its final stages and all construction will be completed by September 15.

Meanwhile, construction efforts at the Peradeniya Black Bridge, locally known as the Yaka Palama, encountered a setback when rising water levels in the Mahaweli River submerged machinery at the site.

However, Deputy Minister Dr Prasanna Gunasena stated that construction on the bridge is being expedited to restore train services from Kandy to Colombo as quickly as possible.