Electric trains before year's end

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Low cost electric trains will be introduced to Sri Lanka before the end of this year, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said.

The Minister said that almost all developed countries use electric trains to transport goods and passengers due to low maintenance costs. Even developing nations in neighbouring countries with hydro power have also decided to introduce electric trains.

Minister Welgama told the Sunday Observer that the country's rail and bus transport sectors have shown a significant improvement during the past few months with the addition of 500 SLTB buses and a few trains and this encouraged us to go for electric trains.

"The objective of launching electric trains in Sri Lanka for the first time is not only to cover the high cost incurred by the Railway Department, but also to introduce an environment friendly transport service to the nation.

According to the Railway Commercial Superintendent Wijaya Samarasinghe, the electric trains will run between Veyangoda and Kalutara initially. Two main power stations to provide electricity will be built close to Veyangoda and Kalutara. Thereafter electric trains will be introduced gradually to other parts of the country.A high level discussion was held in this connection in Colombo last week with the participation of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The Sri Lanka Institution of Engineers and the Moratuwa University Engineering Faculty have also pledged assistance.