Hike ‘justified’ to bring improvements

The Deputy Transport Minister, Ashok Abeysinghe defended the train fare hike, saying the government needed funds for improvements in railway services.

“Our only mistake was that we didn’t make the fare revision earlier. Increasing it gradually over the last 10 years would not have created such uproar as the gravity wouldn’t have been felt all at once. Still, however, people would have protested it,” he added with a laugh.

He said projects launched to improve rail service include the introduction of an electric train service, the acquiring of new engines and coaches and improvements in tracks and railway platforms.

An electric train service will soon begin between Panadura to Veyangoda as a part of Colombo suburban project, and this would be extended to Rambukkana.

Construction of the tracks and stations had already begun, he said. Other lines would be upgraded on par with the new electric service. The Kelaniya, Polgahawela and Kurunegala tracks would be upgraded to double tracks.

“We expect completion of these projects by 2024,” Mr. Abeysinghe said.

Twelve locomotives had been ordered from the United States as the current trains on upcountry lines have difficulties in pulling carriages uphill. The new engines are expected in December. “Twelve more engines will be purchased for low-country routes, as will 160 coaches and 30 flatbed rail carriages for container trains,” Mr. Abeysinghe said. “Most of these are scheduled to arrive by 2020.”