Inaugurated in 1880, the Matale line (sometimes referred to as the Kandy line) is a branch railway line in Sri Lanka. Operated by Sri Lanka Railways, the line includes some of the busiest rail services in the country.
History The route was surveyed between 1875 and 1877. In May 1878 the contract to construct the rail line was issued to David Reid for Rs. 1,782,408. The total estimated cost of the Matale extension amounted to Rs. 3,300,000, being a rate of Rs. 189,247 per mile. The line was opened for traffic on 4 October 1880 by the Governor, Sir James Longden, eight months earlier than the contract date, for which Reid was given a Rs. 35,000 bonus.
Route definition The Matale line begins at Peradeniya Junction and runs east towards Kandy Railway Station. It then turns north and runs through Katugastota and Wattegama before reaching the Matale District. It passes through Ukuwela before terminating at the Matale Railway Station.
Infrastructure The Matale line has a gauge of broad gauge. The line is not electrified. Regular services run on diesel power.
Timetable
Downwards
Starting station Departure time Destination station Time Name Frequency Kandy 05.00 Matale 06.13 Daily Kandy 07.04 Matale 08.38 Daily Kandy 10.20 Matale 11.40 Daily Kandy 14.00 Matale 15.23 Daily Kandy 17.10 Matale 18.23 Daily Kandy 18.40 Matale 20.03 Daily
Upwards
Starting station Departure time Destination station Time Name Frequency Matale 05.00 Kandy 06.20 Daily Matale 06.40 Kandy 07.55 Daily Matale 10.15 Kandy 11.45 Daily Matale 13.55 Kandy 15.25 Daily Matale 17.00 Kandy 18.28 Daily Matale 18.40 Kandy 20.00 Daily
References