Rail transport quality enhanced
The new fleet of 100 train carriages which arrived from China and the new power sets to be imported in September will strengthen the railway services and enhance the quality of travel by train, General Manager Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said at a press conference recently.
The train service would be improved especially in the Kelani Valley line and the Intercity Service from October this year. Each power set cost Rs.350 million he said.
It was problematic when new technology was introduced as there would be teething problems with the new carriages and new power sets, but we will introduce the S5 power sets to the Kelani Valley line to improve the service he said.
There would be changes in the communication system and 40 railway stations would be connected together with the main central exchange with new signal light systems. Also the tablet token system would be changed so, that it would lead to a better and faster travelling for commuters the GM said.
A new method to improve he road traffic movement and to avoid road accidents on railway level crossings would be introduced with the installation of a mirrors system with the assistance from private sector and NGO’s at Averiwatta, Polhengoda, Narahenpita and Ruhunukala Mawatta crossings. This new technique of mirrors cost only around Rs.60,000 but, it had already paved the way for motorists to be more cautious when they travel past the level crossings he noted.
In addition to these equipment and technical changes the manpower development and welfare measures of the railway also has been improved during the past six months with free clinics for the railway workers and cultural programmes that provided a change for the workers.
by Charumini de Silva
Source: The Island
