Electric trains by 2020: Transport Minister

6 December 2016 06:33 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Electric train services would be introduced by 2020 marking another step forward in the Sri Lankan Railways, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said today.

Minister Silva said plans were already underway to introduce the electric train services by 2020.

While holding a discussion at the Ministry premises he said, the project was revealed during a special technical workshop held in Colombo at the Taj Samudra Hotel.

“The Asian Development Bank had agreed to release a grant under a concessionary basis for the project and it had been planned after considering the passenger requirements by the year 2035,” he said.

The electric train service would be introduced from Veyangoda to Panadura, Veyangoda to Polgahawela and Ragama to Negombo during the first phase of the project, the Minister said.

The discussion also focused on commencing electric train services along the Kelani Valley Line from Maradana to Homagama.

“The railway track would be renovated allowing the trains to travel at speeds of 100 kilometres per hour, while establishing of signal posts using the latest technology. The trains also will have an automated braking system. We also need to build four new stations,” he said.

“Furthermore, three railway tracks would be built from Colombo Fort to Panadura, while four railway tracks are to be built from Maradana to Ragama and two from Maradana to Homagama.

Planning and designing activities of the project will commence next year. The Ministry of Transport hopes to commence construction by December next year.

Director of the project Palitha Samarasinghe said the total estimated cost of the project was USD 625 million. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

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Comments - 7

Save Wednesday, 07 December 2016 06:35 AM

It is so funny when people talking about the electric train as the next step when no government in Sri Lanka did nothing to improve the quality of SLR once English handed to our morons.They could nor still repair the Mainline issues (still single track to Kandy and it could erode anytime).Also, a power crisis is predicted in 2018 and GOSL educated well qualified experts take no action to that either. When people are not practical, anyone can expect a mess like Sri Lanka.

mm Wednesday, 07 December 2016 06:47 AM

lets wait and see. hope it happens. this government is always breakdown think they need a electric shock to wake up. via DM iOS App

Ajja Wednesday, 07 December 2016 08:05 AM

How can we have Electric trains when CGR still have that old chunk of cast iron monster to issue tickets when other countries have decent proximity cards.CGR is a WHITE ELEPHANT for Srilanka

mnsmart Wednesday, 07 December 2016 08:28 AM

Thank you, but add a few good compartments to the Colombo - Kandy Intercity train. it's over 35 years old

ANTON Wednesday, 07 December 2016 08:35 AM

BEFORE THAT , PLEASE PROVIDE US SAFE ROADS BY THE TEAR 2020. BECAUSE THE ROOT CAUSES OF FATAL ACCIDENTS ARE ROADS,

Vajira Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:07 AM

Siripala is only interested in his commission

David GA Wednesday, 07 December 2016 03:52 PM

There were so many mega projects boasted in the media for the last twenty years. Boat Service, Mono rail, Metro. etc. Do we have enough power supply to run them. Wattala every other day no power. Peliyagoda industrial zone power cuts once a week.

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Electric trains by 2020: Transport Minister

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