30.10.2008

Fifteen power sets of six carriages each will be added to the existing railway fleet from November 1st, bringing the total number of power sets deployed in the service up to 45, Ministry of Transport sources said.

As a gesture of goodwill following the recent visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government of China has provided these power sets at a backdated lower cost of Rs. 36.9 million.

This acquisition will fulfill the requirements of Sri Lankan Railways.

These power sets can carry over 1,500 passengers in one journey, as a single carriage of this S-10 category can accommodate 275 passengers. They will be deployed on the Panadura to Veyangoda route, while the M-2-M-8 diesel engine operating on that line will be moved to the Polgahawela to Negombo route.