Narrow Gauge Railways Back in Action in Sri Lanka

After fully converting the KV line to broad gauge in 1993, yet again narrow gauge railways will be back in action in the Dayata Kirula 2012 in Oyamaduwa from 4th of February 2012. Already 750 m track work and three stations have been completed. Recently restored rolling stock of two locomotives (no 530 and 732) and two carriages were brought in to the site by road from Dematagoda to Oyamaduwa. The initial trial runs of this train was also very successful and general public especially local and foreign  rail fans will have the rare opportunity go on a train ride of a narrow gauge train in Sri Lankan soil after nearly 20 years. Hon. Minister for transport Mr. Kumara Welgama and General Manager of Railways Mr. B.A.P Ariyaratne were spearheading this massive and historical project. Locomotive Foreman Mr. Sanath Wickramarate and his team in Shop 26 undertook most of the works of this project to restore Loco no 530 and to build two carriages and Locomotive Foreman Mr. Lalantha Fernando of Shop 19 and his team were involved in to restore Loco No 732.