Electric trains a reality soon

22 November 2016 11:31 pm - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The feasibility study on bringing electric trains to Sri Lanka has been completed and the groundwork for the project would begin soon, Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Ashoka Abeysinghe told Parliament today.

Responding to an oral question raised by MP Ashu Marasinghe, the Deputy Minister said a steering committee had been appointed to handle the project.

He said the first phase of the project was estimated to cost USD 300 million while the second phase would cost a further USD 300 million. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 27

Madiya Wednesday, 23 November 2016 08:55 AM

The right of way is a big land acquisition issue. As these trains may run at 100Km/hr the existing tracks and infrastructure can be used. This is what is done in most countries railway networks.

Mylanka Thursday, 24 November 2016 05:17 AM

My sentiments precisely. Where is the electricity coming from? We already have electricity cuts everyday and a wildly fluctuating electricity supply that damages appliances. First supply the public with a reliable domestic electricity supply.

Roman Wednesday, 23 November 2016 03:26 PM

Its Volkswagen!

J Palitha Wednesday, 23 November 2016 12:47 PM

Like Sirima Bandaranayke's tale story bringing rice from moon.

Kadupol Jothywansa Wednesday, 23 November 2016 12:46 PM

Another tale story like Wouxwagan Car Factory. Hoo...Hoo..

Kiris Baba Amaray Wednesday, 23 November 2016 12:45 PM

First of all please solve the problems due to excessive Vat ...

Joe Wednesday, 23 November 2016 12:01 PM

Well said Jaypee

dham Wednesday, 23 November 2016 11:39 AM

Study should cover upgrade the railway track signal system safty running cost and trains are part package of efficient service . via DM Android App

CS Wednesday, 23 November 2016 11:29 AM

The estimates should cover of 'back-up' power generation

Kale Wednesday, 23 November 2016 11:24 AM

To have electric trains you need a reliablel supply of electricity first.Where is this going to come from?It won't be from the CEB.

Anil Panagoda Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:34 AM

The government is on the right track. As of now, in order to meet the transportation demand we need to upgrade our Railway. This will be the fastest mode of transport, when looking at the traffic congestion on road. Let's support the government to make it a reality.

Sharon Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:33 AM

Which problem are you trying to solve by this initiative Sir?

Save Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:11 AM

Do not know who did the feasibility study. Before the implement there are lot more to develop. Land like no other.

Lal Wednesday, 23 November 2016 09:45 AM

If it doesn't make sense then read the Asian Development Bank page for this project

RD Tuesday, 22 November 2016 11:18 PM

Indian railway had its own invented electric railway technology over 10years back. we all know the transportation sector in sri lanka has been making losses so best suggestion is to privatise the railway stations - example Cargills Keells so on and.... not the railway it self. this will enable income to bridge the gap in implementation of these kinds of good projects that will ease traffic and reduce pollution. via DM Android App

jaypee Wednesday, 23 November 2016 08:48 AM

Spend this money to upgrade existing Trains and Stations. Create proper car parks with adequate security streamline the connecting buses and encourage people to use public transport instead of using their own vehicles.

Gayan Perera Wednesday, 23 November 2016 07:48 AM

I am always a bit worried when MPs mention such large sums of money. Somehow, always a politician tries to earn something out of it. Note to Kato (above): they will have to completely redo the tracks as they are completely worn out. The idea is that trains can drive faster and more frequent - anyone who takes a train in rush hour knows that they are full beyond what should be allowed. It's about time SL goes electric!

Warra Wednesday, 23 November 2016 07:43 AM

Exactly! eventually new tracks have to be laid down. And new electric trains purchased. They have to under stand once these tracks are electrified, the rail road has to be protected. And not Indian rubbish!

Roman Wednesday, 23 November 2016 07:40 AM

Instead of Electric trains, why not bring in some new buses to CTB and spend the rest of the money to improve public transportation which is the need of the hour!

Padmapriya Wednesday, 23 November 2016 07:18 AM

It is good idea but Sri Lanka may not have enough generated power for these projects. Train may run until very frequent power cuts come into effect?

Leo Wednesday, 23 November 2016 07:18 AM

So when drought will trains run slow via DM Android App

Madiya Wednesday, 23 November 2016 07:12 AM

Oh! This deputy minister. What he talks makes no sense. This will never happen.

kato Wednesday, 23 November 2016 06:28 AM

I have no doubt these guys want to simply set up electric cable on existing tracks which is useless as already train services on these line they must look into New routes with the new tracks which will benefit the country remember British built the rail track in sl for tea transportation via DM Android App

Ram Wednesday, 23 November 2016 03:33 AM

These are development activities that give commissions to those involved. First run the Power without a single failure for 12 months and show us that constant power supply without any failure is possible to run electric trains to a schedule

hiran gunwardena Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:49 AM

ha ha We have seen many realities for the past two and half years. I mean Whole SriLankans know that

Warra Wednesday, 23 November 2016 01:31 AM

Would it be inferior products from India?

Shan Wednesday, 23 November 2016 12:06 AM

But why electric trains? Why not rather invest that money on metro in city areas?

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Electric trains a reality soon

Comments - 27

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