More freight trains to help SLR make profits - Minister

Irangika RANGE

The Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) will be able to make a profit by increasing goods and oil transportation on freight trains.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said road transport is costlier compared to railway.

The railway cost is 50 percent less than road transport.

Therefore, priority should be given to increase railway container transport to make the Railways more profitable.

"The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation's transportation of oil by trains has been increased upto 72 percent which was only 38 percent when I took over the Transport Ministry few months ago," he said.

"We must improve the cargo and oil transport as freight cost is very low. This would help reduce road congestion," the Minister said.

The SLR incurs a loss of Rs.3 billion annually. Increased goods and oil transport by rail will bring revenue to the Department and lessen the burden on the Government which subsidizes the SLR. maintenance.

"We should spend money on productive sectors such as goods and oil transport for the sake of earning profit and economic development. These revenue earning avenues should commence as early as possible for the benefit of the masses and the SLR.

He said that the SLR spends Rs.4 per kilometer to run its annual affairs - the management and maintenance of the railway infrastructures, rolling stock and running the trains punctually and safely. But it charges only Re 1 from passenger per kilometre.

The Minister further said that the rail journey is cheaper and comfortable for the general public. Reforms to the Railway are necessary. That is why various plans have been drawn up to revive the SLR from its current position," the Minister said.