Sri Lanka is expected to incur costs exceeding $350 million to reconstruct railway tracks damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, according to Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Gunasena. The upcountry tracks suffered the most significant damage, while the Northern and Southern coastal tracks were relatively less affected.
Deputy Minister Gunasena, in statements broadcast on Sri Lanka’s Derana television, detailed the financial implications for various sections. The restoration of the Rambukkana to Kadugannawa track is projected to cost $74 million. The Nanu Oya to Badulla line, among the most severely impacted, is estimated at approximately $127 million. The re-construction of the Gampola to Nawalapitiya track is anticipated to require $35 million, while the Kotawella to Nanuoya track is expected to cost $68 million. Additionally, the Kadugannawa to Peradeniya section will require an investment of around $2 million.
Furthermore, replacing the Colonial-era bridge in Peradeniya, Kandy, known as the ‘Yaka Palama,’ with a modern double-tracked bridge, is estimated to cost at least $18 million. For the Northern track segment between Mahawa and Kankesanthurai, the expected expenditure ranges from $4 to $5 million. The Batticaloa line will also contribute to the overall cost.
“We have to allocate a substantial amount of funds to restore the Department of Railways to its pre-Cyclone Ditwah condition,” stated Gunasena. “However, this will put us in a better position, as the tracks will incorporate newer technology, resulting in improvements.”
Cyclone Ditwah caused damage to tracks at 91 locations, with 73 bridges and 38 smaller culverts affected, as reported by officials. The railway track was left “hanging” in 15 locations due to the ground eroding beneath them, explained General Manager of Railways, Ravindra Padmapriya, immediately following the cyclone. Initially, only a third of the track was operational.
In response to the cyclone-related damages, Sri Lanka has revised its budget, increasing capital spending from 1% to 2% of the gross domestic product by 2026.
(Colombo/Jan06/2026)
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