By: Staff Writer
December 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) is set to receive 22 ALCO diesel engines from India as part of a generous grant aimed at addressing the country’s pressing transportation needs.
Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the gift comprises 20 slightly used M10 locomotive engines and two additional engines for spare parts.
The locomotives, valued at Rs. 16,000 million, were previously in service with Indian Railways but remain highly functional despite being replaced by electric models in India.
The initiative began with a request by former Minister of Transport Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, who appealed to the Indian government to support Sri Lanka’s ailing railway system. The Indian government’s decision, facilitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, underscores the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. Current High Commissioner Santosh Jha played a critical role in expediting the transfer.
India’s RITES Limited (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) had initially proposed a five-year maintenance service for the locomotives, but a government committee determined that SLR possesses the capability to manage their upkeep. This grant offers Sri Lanka significant technological and operational advantages. The ALCO engines, with a horsepower capacity of 3,300, surpass Sri Lanka’s current maximum of 3,000, allowing them to haul up to 22 carriages. This increase in power and efficiency is expected to improve passenger capacity and overall service quality.
The arrival of these locomotives comes at a critical time for SLR, which has long struggled with aging infrastructure and financial constraints. The railway’s dependence on external loans for modernization has hindered profitability. India’s gift, therefore, provides much-needed relief by offering resources without adding to the nation’s financial burden. Beyond the immediate benefits, the introduction of these modern engines will enable SLR personnel to gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies, aiding in the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s railway network.
This collaboration is part of a decades-long partnership between India and Sri Lanka in the railway sector. Since the 1990s, India has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s railway system, including projects like the full reconstruction of the Northern Railway Line and the provision of M8 and M11 locomotives. Indian companies such as IRCON have also been instrumental in restoring infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.
The foundation for this historic grant was laid in August 2023, when Dr. Gunawardena formally requested the locomotives in a letter to High Commissioner Baglay. The letter highlighted India’s significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s railway projects since 2011, valued at over $466 million. In November 2023, the Indian High Commission confirmed arrangements for a Sri Lankan delegation to inspect the locomotives at the Southern Railway Service Yard in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
In December 2023, Sri Lankan officials, including senior railway engineers, selected 23 locomotives suitable for operation in Sri Lanka. This milestone marks the first time India has provided locomotives to Sri Lanka as a grant, reflecting the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The grant is expected to bolster SLR’s capacity and pave the way for further modernization of Sri Lanka’s railway system.
