Colombo to get its first electric train
A master plan to modernize the intercity train service to bring it on
par with the existing well-developed railway systems is soon to be
introduced.
Under the master plan, serious modernization will take place and
specific routes to identified destinations will be rehabilitated and
news features will be introduced, making train travel a comfortable and
safe one, Minister of Internal Transport Ranjith Madduma Bandara told
the Sunday Observer. A Cabinet paper is to be submitted in the coming
weeks, proposing specific improvements to the railway service, after
which the master plan will be implemented.
The master plan includes details on modernizing the intercity train
services, construction of new railway tracks, development of existing
tracks and installation of double tracks to identified destination, he
said.
The Government of India is likely to assist the development of track
between Anuradhapura and Vavuniya. In addition, eight locomotive engines
and 30 coaches too will be requested from India, Maddumabandara said.
The first electric train service will be from Colombo to Battaramulla,
a fast developing township with many government ministries and
departments located there. A feasibility study is currently in progress.
Plans are underway to extend the double track on the coastal line up to
Aluthgama railway station and another double track between Kurunegala
and Polgahawela. The railway track from Maho to Trincomalee and up to
Batticaloa too are identified priorities. A new railway track from
Kurunegala to Habarana via Dambulla is also to be constructed, the
Minister said. -PK
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