Alsthom engines to be put on upcountry track

Irangika Range

M9 Alsthom train engines imported from France in 2000 which were removed from service due to many shortcomings reported by various sectors will soon be put to service on the upcountry railway line after being repaired using local expertise.

Ten M9 French engines had arrived in the country in November 2000 and eight units out of ten engines were removed from service due to lack of related technology. Transport Minister Kumara Welgama participating at the test run of M9 engine which was repaired by local experts attached to three institutions such as Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, Industrial Technology Institute and Arthur C Clarke Institute from the Colombo Fort Railway Station to Kandy Station recently said it is a remarkable achievement of repairing M9 engines locally at a low cost of Rs 2.5 million when nearly Rs 20 million was required by foreign experts.

He said only two units out of 10 M9 engines were operational since 2009 and the balance eight engines will be added to the upcountry railway line shortly since M9 engines are more compatible to conditions on the upcountry railway line.

“I understood the value of these engines since they are more suitable to Sri Lankan climatic and geographical conditions on the upcountry railway line.”

Two engines are currently being repaired by local experts and they will be added to the upcountry line shortly after making modifications.

He said the M9 engines have very high power and can carry heavy loads in mountainous terrain.

Normally, two engines have to be attached to a train on the upcountry line, but one M9 engine is sufficient for mountainous areas since the engine is very heavy and its wheels are suitable to the climatic conditions.