Unmatched engineering feat

We continue our story about railway engineering feats in our country. The train continues its ascent from Nanu-Oya passing through the forest flanked by Conical Hill and later greater mountains of Hakgala on to the 'Summit' level of 6226 ft above sea level, three-fourth mile beyond the Pattipola Station. This is considered to be a major engineering feat and the highest point reached by a 5' 6" broad gauge railway line in the world.

From the summit point on a clear day, there is a fine view of Totapolakanda, the third highest mountain of Sri Lanka behind which is the famous Horton Plains. The Dambagastalawa Oya, the Elgin Falls and the low hills of Ambewela, enhance the unparalleled scenic beauty of this section of the railway track. Shortly after the Summit, the train runs through the Summit

Tunnel, which is an extraordinary tunnel where two sides of the tunnel are subjected to different climatic conditions. The travellers who enter the tunnel from Pattipola often experience cold, mist and rain but coming out of the tunnel at the other end they emerge into a different land of warmth and brilliant sunshine of the Uva region.

After the summit tunnel and before the train enters another tunnel the wonderful panorama is seen from a height of over 6,000 ft stretching out over the 4,000 ft high patanas (grasslands) falling away between the two mountain ranges. The next 5 1/2 miles continues through 14 tunnels from Ohiya to Idalgashinna at a height of 5464 ft which is situated on a sharp ridge, land falling precipitously to both sides.

The colourful scenery in the surroundings emanates a magical and fairy-tale feeling. The view from Haputale (4736 ft) edge stretches down to the south-coast and sea at Hambantota. The line then climbs down passing through Diyatalawa and Bandarawela (4019 ft) which have possibly the finest climate on the island.

After 24 years, the railway track was extended to Badulla. It has some of the most spectacular engineering feats. Connecting two mountains, the Demodara Nine Arch Bride was constructed solely out of solid rock, bricks and cement without using iron or steel. The bridge which is also known as the 'Bridge in the Sky', involves a long, curved, nine-arch viaduct between Ella and Demodara stations. The famous Demodara loop is the next attraction where the line, having passed through Demodara station encircles a mountain top and the tunnels back underneath the station at a level of 100 ft. lower.

Badulla is the end of the great main line through which a variety in climate and amazing scenery is experienced. It is significant that the entire stretch has 46 tunnels which were constructed before the invention of heavy mechanical equipments. This would have left them with no choice but to use hand tools for the construction. The foot patrol system to ensure the safety of the railway track is in place round the clock. The nine-hour journey requires a reasonable amount of travel comfort to make it a life time experience. The 'Viceroy Special' stands unique with its luxury compartments and dining facility on board to offer passengers an ultimate train journey.

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