Ella to Kitalella railway hike: active track safety, curve sightlines, and bridge crossings?

The 2-kilometer walk south along the railway tracks from Ella station to Kitalella station is the primary access trail for hiking Ella Rock. Walking active tracks requires strict safety discipline: broad-gauge diesel locomotives (Class M2, M4, S12) approach with surprising quietness on downhill grades. Sightlines are limited around blind mountain rock cuttings; never wear headphones while walking tracks. Walk strictly on the crushed granite ballast shoulder outside the sleeper ties, stepping completely off into the tea bushes when a train approaches. At the open railway girder bridge, step carefully between timber ties onto the side steel catwalk.