Locomotive engineers threaten coastal line withdrawal over signal fault

Colombo, June 6 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers' Union (SLRLOEU) has announced plans to withdraw from operating trains on the coastal railway line from noon today, citing unresolved issues with the line’s faulty signaling system.

According to union sources, a decisive meeting is scheduled for this morning with the General Manager of Railways to address the longstanding problem. The union has warned that if a satisfactory solution is not provided, they are prepared to proceed with halting operations on the line as a safety measure for both passengers and staff.

The situation escalated yesterday (5) morning when a resident spotted a broken section of the railway track between the Panadura and Egoda Uyana stations. Acting promptly, the individual managed to stop the Sagarika train bound for Colombo Fort, averting a potential disaster. However, in a concerning development, another train reportedly advanced towards Maradana on the same line due to a signaling fault while the Sagarika remained halted.

When contacted, representatives of the SLRLOEU attributed the incident to a critical defect in the color light signaling system on the Coastal Line. The union claims it has repeatedly informed railway authorities in writing about the severity of the issue and the urgent need for rectification.

Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson for the union stated, “The safety of our passengers and operational staff is paramount. If this problem is not resolved immediately, we have no choice but to withdraw services on the Coastal Line.”

As of this morning, commuters and daily passengers along the busy Coastal Line are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the scheduled discussions, with the prospect of significant travel disruptions looming.