Sri Lanka - Eine legendäre Eisenbahnstrecke (360° - GEO Reportage)

The railway line from the capital, Colombo, into the highlands of Sri Lanka not only offers spectacular views but is also considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Built from the mid-19th century onward by English engineers, the locomotives still transport countless passengers and goods along the 290-kilometer route. Rodrigo Piyarathne faces a special challenge: For the first time, the train driver is allowed to operate the demanding route from Nawalapitiya to the mountainous town of Badulla. Mostly single-track, the line crosses numerous bridges, passes through nearly forty tunnels, and climbs to an altitude of 1,900 meters. It is one of the most difficult sections in the Sri Lankan highlands, entrusted only to highly experienced drivers. Can Rodrigo prove himself here? ... A film by Sabine Eckhard © 2017, licensed by MedienKontor / ARTE Season 19 - Episode 24 Subscribe to wocomoTRAVEL: https://goo.gl/tIk2Qc Follow us on Facebook: Facebook: wocomo Press release. When the British colonial power built the railway line through the highlands of Sri Lanka in the mid-19th century, it primarily served to transport cinnamon, pepper, tea, and coffee. The goods were brought from the high-altitude plantations to the capital, Colombo, from where they were shipped to Europe. Today, the line is mainly used for passenger traffic within the island. Among the travelers are employees of the newly established organic farms who want to sell their produce at the weekly market in Colombo. The organic sector is still in its testing phase, but it is booming. However, without the diesel locomotive that winds its way up the hillside, this transport would be unthinkable. The terrain is too rugged, the route too steep and precipitous, nestled amidst mountains reaching up to 1,900 meters. Therefore, not just any train driver is permitted to operate this challenging line. Only experienced drivers who have proven themselves on other routes are considered. One of them is Rodrigo Piyarathne, who has been driving other lines for 26 years. Together with a colleague, he is now embarking on a test run that will take him to the terminus high in the mountains, over the spectacular Demodara spiral, and back down into the valley. If Rodrigo successfully completes this route, he will be allowed to drive it solo in the future.