• 2,000 pieces of rails next year to reduce delays and cancellations
• Imports expected by August 2025

The Ministry of Transport has planned to import 22 locomotives and 2,000 pieces of rails after the upcoming budget to reduce train cancellations and delays caused by technical issues, The Daily Morning learns.

Train cancellations and delays are common in Sri Lanka, with most of them caused by technical faults or due to the lack of serviceable trains.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Kumara Gunasena said that the Transport Ministry had paid attention to the issues concerning locomotives and rails. "Majority of train cancellations and delays are due to technical faults. For instance, existing locomotives regularly develop faults as most of them are very old now. Some rails are also old and trains cannot be operated at proper speed on them."

Explaining the plans to address these issues, he said that the Ministry had planned to repair such locomotives at Sri Lanka Railways Workshop in Ratmalana, adding it had also been planned to import locomotives and rails. "We have planned to import 22 locomotives and 2,000 rails. This will be done after next year's (2025) budget. We are expecting to make these happen by August 2025. Through this, it will be possible to reduce train cancellations and delays."

The Department of Railways had meanwhile stated that the main reason for train delays and cancellations is the shortage of locomotives. According to a spokesperson from the department, currently there are only about 50 locomotives suitable for operation, while at least 60 are needed to avoid train cancellations or delays. The spokesperson had said that many of the 50 operational locomotives are also facing technical issues, as they are carrying more weight than their capacity. There has also been a shortage of spare parts for repairs, but he said that the department is now receiving the necessary parts to fix the locomotives.