Two more luxury trains on local tracks

Irangika Range

Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) will shortly add two fully air-conditioned trains imported from China onto the local tracks. SLR Operations Superintendent, L. K. R. Ratnayake told the Daily News that the two air-conditioned trains recently brought down were undergoing test runs. Railway engineers were satisfied with the results as well as the technology and facilities in the trains. After the test-runs, they would be ready for operation, he said. The Superintendent said train passengers have been requesting for more air-conditioned trains to be used for long journeys, which would also be welcomed by tourists.

“We have been able to fulfill their request with the import of two air- conditioned trains from China recently,” he added. The cost of one train is Rs. 1,227 million. One train has six compartments and each compartment has 44 seats in addition to a restaurant and facilities to dump litter. The train will accommodate 260 commuters per coach. The air-conditioned luxury carriages have adjustable seats, he further said. “The trains have been specially designed for long distance travel with all facilities,” he added.