Demodara Loop Sri Lanka - Amazing railway enignieering in the colonieal era

The Demodara loop railway line is a well known masterpiece of engineering feat. From the station the railway line winds its way and comes directly under the station through the tunnel which has been excavated inside a mountain.

It is said that the idea of this loop was a sudden inspiration that occurred to the engineers who masterminded the railway line, when they observed the Kangany who was supervising the workers, undo his ‘talappa’ (head gear) and re-tie it round his head. If you can walk along the railway line in front of the station, through the tunnel, climbed up a rugged foot path which is almost perpendicular to the railway line and ended at the Spring Valley Road opposite the Demodara Railway Station. Water is dripping from the Tunnel, some of the Railway sleepers are loose and inside the tunnel it is somewhat dark even at noon with the blazing sun.

It is a great pity it is neglected. The Demodara tunnel and railway entrance is called the Demodara Loop and is of historic significance. It would be a major tourist attraction.