More power sets for Southern line

Irangika RANGE

The Government will deploy 20 new power sets imported from India to strengthen long distance travel on the Southern railway line from Colombo to Matara.

Sri Lanka Railways Chairman P.P. Wijesekara told the Daily News that this was the first time the CGR purchased power sets for long distance run. He said these power sets have specially been designed for long distance service with all facilities. The cost of a single power set is Rs. 400 million.

The new power sets have been purchased under the Indian Credit Line facility. The first line of the power sets will arrive in the country in May.

He said the power sets were earlier used only for short distance journeys. Following several successful trials, power sets for long distance travel on the Southern rail track was decided upon. Meanwhile, upgrading of the Southern railway line from Colombo to Matara has commenced.

Wijesekara said the train service between Colombo and Matara will be fully upgraded after the completion of the renovations. The project will be implemented in three stages. Under the first stage, renovation of the track between Galle and Matara is being carried out by the Railway Department.

He said equipment and material have already been transported to the site.

Phase two of the project from Galle to Kalutara-South will be carried out while the rail track between Kalutara South to Colombo will be improved as the third phase.