New train service after 10 years

A new train service with five-carriages from Colombo Fort to Avissawella on the Kelani Valley Railway line commenced on Saturday after a spell of ten years, the Civil Aviation and Transport Ministry said.

The S8 Power Set had been completely renovated at the Railway Engineering Workshop at Ratmalana.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that he had also instructed the Railway Department to add another compartment to the Kelani Valley line within two more months.

“At least 68 compartments have been provided for the operation under the renovation project of 200 old compartments fitted with modern facilities ,” he said.

He said by the end of next year, 160 compartments of railway carriages, 12 engines, six power sets were to be imported.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that arrangements had been made to import six more locomotives for the up-country railway line in the next year.

At least 68 compartments have been provided for the operation under the renovation project of 200 old compartments fitted with modern facilities