New engines for fuel transport

Irangika Range and Shirley Wijesinghe

The Government has taken steps to purchase three railway engines through the Institute of Ceylon Petroleum Stores Terminal Limited (CPSTL) and hand these over to the Department of Railways to streamline fuel transport.

Addressing the weekly press briefing, Information and Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said Cabinet has granted approval for the memorandum submitted by Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma.

As a result of the dearth of railway engines, the transport of fuel by train began to decline gradually for a considerable period”. He said: “We have realised there is no other alternative to solve this problem unless getting down new engines”.

Universal open tenders have been called for and four suppliers have submitted their quotations. The Appraising Committee of Technology of the CPSTL consisting officers of the Department of Railways has recommended to purchase engines as the price submitted by the China National Machinery Import and Export Co-operation is technologically feasible and the cost is low.