Satellite technology for better train service

Irangika RANGE

Sri Lanka Railways will implement trial runs of five trains installing new technical devices of satellite technology for train operations, initially for eight weeks.

After eight weeks, the new device will be in full operation with 50 units distributed among 80 trains and installations being effected according to requirements.

"It is hoped that the technical units that will be installed in the trains will go a long way in offering a better train service to the people. This should also ease the work of the railway transport operation staff," Railways Commercial Superintendent Vijaya Samarasinghe said.

The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the Sri Lanka Railway Department (SLR) and Track Solutions Private Ltd recently signed a MoU to use satellite technology to improve railway transport management.

On the direction of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, the project was launched to ensure an efficient train service to commuters. With satellite technology, the operation of each train will be displayed on computer screens in the train control room providing an opportunity to exchange information between the train driver and the control room.

Commuters will be able to have this information simply by using their mobile phones or Internet," he said.

"When this project is implemented anyone will be able to avail himself/herself of the automatic display of where a train, equipped with the said facility, is at any given time.

The commuter will be able to know instantly whether the train concerned will be on schedule or delay and if so the extent of the delay and make alternative plans accordingly.