SL Railway freight earns Rs. 42.4 m

Irangika RANGE

The Colombo freight yard of the Sri Lanka Railways has earned a revenue of Rs. 42.4 million through rail freight transport charges at the Railways last year.

The Colombo freight yard which was abandoned for last few years had been renovated recently under the directives of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and under the close supervision of Railways GMR B.A.P. Ariyaratne.

The freight transport service by rail was streamlined after the yard was renovated, Sri Lanka Railways Spokesman said.

Though the transport cost of all modes of transport were increased with the recent fuel price hike in the country, the SLR has not been increased its freight transportation cost by rail with the view of providing better services to the people. He said that freight transportation via railway is more efficient and profitable than being transported by road.

Currently, essential goods and equipment required for state organizations, Sri Lanka Army, Cement Companies, and private companies transport via railway.