In a significant move, the Indian government has extended a generous offer by donating 20 diesel locomotives to Sri Lanka, providing a substantial enhancement to the island nation’s railway infrastructure.
H.M.K.W. Bandara, the General Manager of Railways in Sri Lanka, officially confirmed the donation, elucidating that these locomotives are being repurposed from India’s own railway system. Despite being rendered surplus due to India’s ongoing electrification drive, these diesel engines are fully functional and capable of serving the Sri Lankan railway network.
To ensure a seamless integration and compatibility with the existing infrastructure, a dedicated team of Sri Lankan railway experts recently visited India to assess the condition and specifications of the locomotives.
The collaborative efforts are set to commence in February, marking the initial phase of this initiative. Two locomotives are slated to be imported to Sri Lanka during this period. The subsequent deployment and integration of the remaining 18 locomotives are expected to follow suit, contributing to the modernization and efficiency of Sri Lanka’s railway system.
