China provides Rs. 5.2b to upgrade rail transport

The Chinese government has provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 5.2 billion to upgrade railway transport, Chief Engineer Planning S. W. Munasinghe told the 'Sunday Observer' .

The Chinese government has extended its support at the request of President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his recent visit to the People's Republic of China.

The Chief Engineer said that the Railway Department has already placed an order to purchase 15 power sets and 100 new coaches from the Chinese National Machinery Import and Export Corporation.

He said that these power sets have been specially made for short distance operations which require fast acceleration at frequent intervals to transport commuters. These trains will operate mainly from Colombo to Kurunegala, Ambepussa, Polgahawela, Mirigama, Panadura, Galle, Chilaw and Avissawella.

During the last few years we needed more power sets because those available were not sufficient to cater to the large number of rail commuters. With the deployment of new power sets and coaches the railway will be able to provide a better service to rail commuters, he said.

The Railway Department repairs between 25, 30 carriages daily at its Ratmalana workshop and it cannot meet the current demand for carriages as it has to be increased to 100 per day. In addition we also need at least 30 new carriages to meet the current demand for carriages for trains, he said.

AM