Train driver unaware that rear carriages were removed ... drives engine only for some kilometres!
The Senkadagala Menike train set off to Colombo at 6.30 in the morning and after the carriages were dismantled from the engine close to Pilimatalawa railway station the train driver not being aware of it had driven the engine for several kilometres. This
incident was reported day-before-yesterday.A train engine which was subjected to a technical fault at the time the Senkadagala Menike train left the Kandy railway station day-before-yesterday (01) morning at 6.30 had been coupled to carriages and was to be taken for repairs to Maradana. The said engine had been connected in front of the carriages concerned and was on its way; shortly after passing the Pilimatalawa railway station the main engine had disengaged from the compartments and the engine had moved on its journey.
After this incident the engine has been taken for repairs being stopped for about half an hour close to Pilimatalawa railway station and later the engine was brought back once again and was connected and had been proceeding on its journey. Subsequently the train engine which was intended to be brought to Maradana for repairs was removed at Kaduganawa and the Senkadagala train was on its way. The train had approached Colombo after a delay of about 2 hours, the passengers have said. In this connection what a higher authority of the Railway Department said was that an incident of this nature has actually been reported and an investigation headed by the Upcountry Railway Commissioner is being carried out in this respect.