More power sets in operation
‘Fifteen of the 20 power sets ordered from India have already arrived and the rest will arrive in the country within the next three months,” an SLR spokesman told the Daily News.
“Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) has ordered 20 power sets from India under the US $ 67.4 million credit line agreement. The SLR has already imported fifteen power sets and fourteen are already in operation,” he said.
“We have replaced two new power sets for the Ruhunu Kumari while two new power sets have been deployed between Colombo Fort and Rambukkana. Another new power set is in operation between Aluthgama and Meerigama via Colombo Fort,” he said.
“Three power sets are in operation between Colombo Fort- Vavuniya, Colombo Fort – Puttalama and Colombo Fort – Chilaw,”.
“The rest of the power sets are currently being utilized for several office trains, including Intercity express trains on the coastal railway line, main railway line and the Puttalama railway line,” the spokesman said.
He said most of the power sets out of 20 handed over to the SLR are being used on the coastal railway line.
“All power sets imported from India are undergoing test runs at the railway workshop in Ratmalana. Following the results of trial runs, we have decided on which railway line they can be deployed,”
“Power sets have been specially designed for long distance travel with all facilities. The cost of a single power set is US $ 3.5 million.
These power sets which can operate at a maximum speed of 100kmph were manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in India. They consist of six compartments. Ninety passengers can be accommodated in the third class and 72 passengers in the second class,” he said.
He furthers said power sets provide a standard and safety service to commuters while easing the morning and afternoon rush.
Source: Dailynews
