Coastal line signal system upgraded

Rajmi Manatunga

The Railways Department has upgraded the signal system on the coastal railway line at a cost of Rs 80 million.

The operation of the signal system which was installed with the assistance of the Netherlands Government was handed over to the railway main control room in Colombo yesterday. "Under the project, a technologically advanced signal system was established from Wadduwa to Galle on the coastal line.

Up to now, this new signal system was controlled by the respective railway stations. But, today (May 27) we brought it under the direct purview of the main control room at Maradana," a Transport Ministry Spokesman said.

According to him, the new centralised signal system will increase the efficiency of train services and enhance the safety of commuters by enabling engine drivers to communicate directly with the main control room in Colombo.

The controllers in Colombo will be able to monitor all train operations on the coastal line without difficulty as a result of the centralisation. The signal system upto Wadduwa is already connected to Maradana," he said.

Railways General Manager Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan and the Netherlands, Deputy Ambassador Ferdinands Lunks were present.