Sri Lanka Railways

The Sri Lanka Railway Department (more commonly known as Sri Lanka Railways (SLR)) (Sinhala: ශ්‍රී ලංකා දුම්රිය සේවය Śrī Laṃkā Dumriya Sēvaya; Tamil: இலங்கை புகையிரத சேவை Ilankai Pugaiyiradha Sēvai) is Sri Lanka's railway owner and primary operator. As part of the Sri Lankan government, it is overseen by the Ministry of Transport. Founded in 1858 as the Ceylon Government Railway, it operates the nation's rail and links the capital, Colombo, with other population centres and tourist destinations.

Sri Lanka Railways
Native name
ශ්‍රී ලංකා දුම්රිය සේවය (Sinhala)
இலங்கை புகையிரத சேவை (Tamil)
Government-owned corporation
IndustryRail transport
Founded1858 (1858)
HeadquartersColombo, Sri Lanka
Key people
Dilantha Fernando ,
General Manager[1]
ServicesPassenger railways
Freight services
Parcel carrier
Catering and tourism services
Parking lot operations
Other related services
RevenueLKR 7.412 billion (2018)[2]
LKR -22.21 billion (2018) [2]
LKR -6.97 billion (2018)[3]
OwnerGovernment of Sri Lanka (100%)
Number of employees
14,885 (2018)[2]
Rail map of Sri Lanka
Overview
Reporting markSLR
Technical
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Electrification78 kilometres (48 mi)[4] (Planned)
Length1,508 km (937 mi) (track length)
Websiterailway.gov.lk

The Sri Lankan rail network is 1,508 km (937 mi) of 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge. Some of its routes are scenic, with the Main Line passing (or crossing) waterfalls, mountains, tea estates, pine forests, bridges and peak stations.

History

Beginnings

The rail network was introduced by the British colonial government in 1864. The main reason for building a railway system in Ceylon was to transport tea and coffee from the hill country to Colombo. The service began with a 54-kilometre (34 mi) main line connecting Colombo and Ambepussa.[5] Guilford Lindsey Molesworth, the first chief engineer, became director general of the government railway. Many Ceylonese people referred to the trains as (Sinhala:අගුරු කකා වතුර බිබී කොළඹ දුවන යකඩ යකා) Anguru Kaka Wathura Bibi Colaba Duwana Yakada Yaka[6] ("coal-eating, water-drinking, metal devil which is sprinting to Colombo").

Extensions were made to the main line in 1867, 1874, 1885, 1894 and 1924, extending it to Kandy, Nawalapitiya, Nanu Oya, Bandarawela and Badulla.[7] Other lines were added to the Ceylon Railway System during its first century, including an 1880 line to Matale, the 1895 Coast Railway Line, the 1905 Northern Line, the 1914 Mannar Line, the 1919 Kelani Valley Line, the 1926 Puttalam Line and the 1928 Railway Line to Batticaloa and Trincomalee. For more than 80 years afterwards,[8] no major extensions were added to the Ceylonese rail network.

  • 1880 steam-powered train on the hill-country Colombo-Badulla line
  • Railway lines near Colombo in 1940

Golden age

The golden age of Ceylon Railways was from 1955 to 1970 under the management of B. D. Rampala, chief mechanical engineer and later general manager of the Ceylon Government Railway.[6] Emphasising punctuality and comfort, Rampala led upgrades to major railway stations outside Colombo and the rebuilding of track in the Eastern Province to facilitate heavier, faster trains. He introduced express trains (many of which had iconic names), and ensured that Ceylon's rail system was up-to-date and offered greater comfort to its passengers.[6][9]

Until 1953, Ceylon's railways used steam locomotives. During its golden age, they changed to diesel locomotives under Rampala's leadership;[9] several types of diesel locomotives were added to the fleet.

Decline

During the late 20th century, the railway began to decline; for three decades, it was neglected and poorly run.[10] The Sri Lankan economy had shifted its focus from plantation agriculture to industry, and its road network grew. With the increase in lorries and highways (a faster means of transporting goods) the amount of goods transported by rail declined, and the railways experienced heavy losses.

SLR failed to adopt technological innovations seen in other railways abroad, and problems with travel time, reliability and comfort caused it to lose much of its passenger market share. By 2011, it had a seven-percent share of the market.[6]

Rebirth
S12 DMUs were imported in 2012

The government began a 10-year Railway Development Strategy to return the network to satisfactory condition in the early 2010s, ordering new DMUs to replace current trains.[6][10][11] The southern line, which was damaged in the 2004 tsunami, was upgraded from 2010 to 2012. Its track was upgraded to handle train speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph).[12] The northern line affected by almost three decades of war, is being rebuilt; in 2015, it was restored to Jaffna and Kankesanturai at pre-war levels.[13] The southern line is being extended from Matara to Kataragama to serve the developing city of Hambantota.[8] In 2015, track construction to Beliaththa was seriously delayed. In 2011, Sri Lanka Railways began partnerships with ExpoRail and Rajadhani Express for premium service on major routes.[14][15]

Operators
Expo Rail luxury carriage attached to a train

Sri Lanka Railways operates nearly all rail services in the country. A state-owned enterprise, Sri Lanka Railways operates passenger intercity and commuter rail and freight transport.

Private operators provide some services with Sri Lanka Railways' equipment and infrastructure. The Viceroy Special, a heritage train with a preserved steam locomotive, is operated by J. F. Tours & Travels.[16][17] Airport & Aviation Services Limited operates the Airport Express between Colombo's Secretariat Station and Bandaranaike International Airport.

On 6 October 2011, Expolanka introduced its ExpoRail premium service;[18][19] the Blue Line Company introduced a competing service, the Rajadhani Express, the same day. ExpoRail and Rajadhani operate a premium section on trains operated by Sri Lanka Railways.[18][20] Colombo's tram system was operated by the Colombo Electric Tram Car and Lighting Company before it was taken over by the municipal council and shut down.

Rolling stock
See also: Locomotives of Sri Lanka Railways

Sri Lanka Railways' locomotives are primarily diesel. Steam locomotives, in regular service until the 1950s, are used only on heritage trains such as the Viceroy Special.[9][21]

The first locomotives pulled trains during the 1860s on the original 54-km main line connecting Colombo and Ambepussa.[5] Sri Lanka Railways converted to diesel locomotives in 1953,[9] and several types of diesel locomotives were added to the fleet. Although Sri Lanka did not have commercially-operating electric locomotives or trainsets in 2011, electrification has been proposed to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.[22]

Most passenger coaches are from the Romanian Astra Rail Industries[23][24] or the Chinese CSR Corporation. On most lines, service is being upgraded with new, long-haul diesel multiple units from CSR Corporation and India's RITES.[10][11][25]

  • A S13 DMU
  • M6 locomotive pulling the Udarata Menike from Badulla to Colombo

Network

The 1,508-kilometre (937 mi) Sri Lankan railway network is 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge.[9] All service is diesel-powered.[26] The network is divided into three operating regions based in Colombo, Anuradhapura and Nawalapitiya.[27][28] The railway is currently modernising and extending the Coast Line to facilitate faster trains and improved efficiency.[29]

Electrification

Although electrification was first proposed in 1928, the Cabinet did not approve the electrification of suburban railways until 2015. Electrification of the Panadura-Veyangoda line is proposed in phase one of the Western Region Megapolis plan with a soft loan from the Asian Development Bank.[30][31][32]

A contract has been signed by Malaysia's Airport Express Air and Rail Company and the government of Sri Lanka for new electric rail line between Negombo and Colombo. The project is expected to be completed by 2018.[33] Electrification of the busiest sections of the network was proposed several times to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Around 1998, the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) submitted recommendations for railway electrification. Although they were approved by the cabinet, they were not implemented. IESL made new proposals for electrification in 2008 and 2010, but no work was done because the voltage systems were undefined. System electrification is favoured by the IESL to reduce pollution, increase passenger comfort and lessen travel time.[34][6]

Sri Lanka Railways is planning to electrify the 120-kilometre (75 mi) Colombo commuter-rail system from Veyangoda to Maradana, Maradana to Kaluthara and Ragama to Negombo, but their voltage systems are unknown. Fifteen electric multiple units will be imported for commuter service.[35]

Signalling

Much of the network uses a lock-and-block signaling system. During the mid-twentieth century, the busiest sectors (around Colombo) were upgraded to electronic signalling connected to a CTC control panel at the Maradana railway station.[9]

In 2011, a project to add electronic signalling to the northern lines began. Track between Anuradhapura, Kankesanturai, and Talaimannar would have electronic signalling with centralised traffic control, using an interlocking colour-light system with electrically-operated points and a track-detection system. Level crossings would be connected to the signalling system, ensuring safety.[36]

After the 2011 Alawwa rail accident, SLR began installing a GPS-based train-protection system on its entire fleet. The system warns a train driver of a possible collision in time to manually stop the train. The fleet can also be monitored by a central control room with the system. A trial run was conducted in early November 2011 with ten trains.[37][38]

Routes

Major population centres and tourist destinations are connected by rail. Service began in 1864 with the construction of the Main Line from Colombo to Ambepussa, 54 kilometres (34 mi) east, and the first train ran on 27 December 1864. The line was officially opened to traffic on 2 October 1865. The Main Line was extended in stages, with service to Kandy in 1867, to Nawalapitiya in 1874, to Nanu-Oya in 1885, to Bandarawela in 1894, and to Badulla in 1924.[39] Other lines were completed to link the country: the Matale Line in 1880, the Coast Line in 1895, the Northern Line in 1905, the Mannar Line in 1914, the Kelani Valley Line in 1919, the Puttalam Line in 1926, and the Batticaloa and Trincomalee Lines in 1928.[40]

Main Line

The Main Line starts from Colombo and runs east and north past the developing centres of Ragama, Ganemulla Gampaha, Veyangoda, Mirigama, Ambepussa and Polgahawela. At Rambukkana, the line begins a steep climb into the hills. Between Balana and Kadugannawa the track runs along the edge of sheer cliffs, allowing passengers a view of Batalegala.

The Main Line then continues climbing through tea country, connecting market centers at Gampola, Nawalapitiya and Hatton before reaching Nanu-Oya. This is the connection to the former colonial resort of Nuwara Eliya, still visited for its temperate climate, classic hotels and British-style gardens. The Main Line reaches its summit at Pattipola, 6,226 feet (1,898 m) above sea level, before descending past Bandarawela to Badulla. Passengers can view tea gardens, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.

Coastal line
Main article: Coastal line (Sri Lanka)
Matara terminus on the Coastal Line

The coastal line runs south from Colombo, following the Indian Ocean, with views of tropical beaches and coconut palm trees. It links the regional centres of Moratuwa, Panadura and Kalutara South, and beach resorts at Aluthgama, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. The line continues past Galle (known for its historic, well-preserved Dutch fort) before terminating at Beliatta.

From 1895 to 2013, the line terminated at Matara.[41] In 2013–2019, the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation extended the line to Beliatta in Phase 1 of the Southern Railway project.[42] This was the first new railway built in Sri Lanka since independence from Great Britain in 1948.[43] Phase 2 will serve Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota, and Phase 3 will reach Kataragama. The latter phases have not yet begun construction as of April 2019.[42]

Puttalam line
Main article: Puttalam line

The Puttalam line branches off the Main Line at Ragama junction, extending north past Kandana Ja-Ela, Seeduwa, Katunayake (International Airport) and Negombo (a regional tourist destination and a major commercial centre). It connects northwestern Sri Lanka, reaching Negombo Kochikade, Waikkala, Luniwila (and the National Coconut Research Center), Nattandiya, Madampe, Chilaw, Bangadeniya, Mundel and Puttalam.

The line also links other market towns and fishing villages. Passenger service ends at the Noor Nagar station, just north of Puttalam; beyond that, the tracks are used by Holcim trains to haul cement.

Kelani Valley line

The Kelani Valley line extends from Colombo-Maradana east to Avissawella. Originally a narrow-gauge line, it was converted to 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge between 1991 and 1997. The line connects the suburbs of Colombo in the Colombo District with the city.

Matale line

The Matale line branches off the Main Line at Peradeniya Junction, near the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. It runs to Kandy, home of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha), before descending to Matale.

Northern line
Northern line

The Northern line branches north from the Main Line at Polgahawela, passing Kurunegala—capital of North Western Province—before continuing to the cultural center of Anuradhapura (the island's capital around the 4th century BCE, and home to many religious and archaeological sites). Service has been extended to the line's terminus at Kankesanthurai on the Jaffna peninsula, past Kilinochchi.[44]

Mannar line

The Mannar line branches westward from the northern line at Medawachchiya, passing Madhu Road—location of the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu—and continuing to Mannar Island (home of the district capital and terminus of the former Talaimannar line).

Batticaloa line

The Batticaloa line branches eastward from the northern line at Maho to Polonnaruwa, site of an 11th-century capital and home to a number of historic monuments. The line continues to the city of Batticaloa.[45]

Trincomalee line

The Trincomalee line branches north and east from the Batticaloa line at Gal-Oya Junction and extends to Trincomalee.

Mihintale line

The Mihintale line is a short branch line which connects Mihintale (home of the Mihintale Temple, where Thera Mahinda—who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka—arrived) with Anuradhapura, the capital of Sri Lanka for over 100 years, via the northern line. It branches off the latter at Mihintale Junction and runs eastward to Mihintale (the line's only stations).

Intercity network

The intercity network radiates from Colombo, connecting most major population and industrial centres with passenger and freight service.[28] It includes hubs at Colombo Fort and Maradana.

Passenger service

Sri Lanka Railways operates intercity service connecting major population centres and commuter rail, serving Colombo commuters.[46] The railway also transports freight. Most intercity trains have a number of classes:[47]

  • 1st class sleeper, with sleeping berths, is available on a few overnight trains.
  • 1st class observation car is available on some day trains, primarily on the Main Line. Normally at the rear of the train, it is occasionally behind the locomotive.
  • 1st class air-conditioned[47] seats are available on some intercity express trains between Colombo and Vavunia and Colombo and Batticaloa. They are also available on the main-line Udarata Manike and Podi Manike trains.
  • 2nd class seats, available on all intercity trains, are unreserved or reserved.
  • 3rd class, available on most trains, has basic facilities.
  • Rajadhani Express and ExpoRail provide premium service on many intercity trains. Ticket prices for the air-conditioned compartments are typically higher than SLR's first-class tickets and include tea, snacks and meals. Currently, these trains do not operate.

Commuter trains serve the busiest portions of the railways in Colombo and its suburbs.[48] Most commuter trains are diesel multiple units and lack the three-class configuration of intercity service.[46] Commuter trains, which alleviate rush-hour congestion on city roads, can be crowded. Electrification of the commuter-rail network has been proposed to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.[22]

Train types
  • Intercity express: Among the fastest trains, with few stops (have to get special tickets for these; ticket prices are higher than normal ones)
  • Night mail: Night-time express trains with freight transport
  • Express: Link Colombo and major transport hubs
  • Suburban: Stop at each station on the route

Services by routes
Main article: List of named passenger trains of Sri Lanka

SLR divides its network into three operating regions, based in Colombo Maradana, Nawalapitya and Anuradhapura.[49] Nine lines make up the railway network. Several services were named during the 1950s.

RouteMajor trains
Main LineColombo Fort to Nawalapitya, Nanu Oya, and BadullaUdarata Menike, Podi Menike, Tikiri Menike' (only to Hatton )', Senkadagala Menike (to Kandy), Colombo - Badulla Night Mail Train,Denuwara Menike
Matale linePeradeniya Junction to Kandy and Matale
RouteMajor trains
Northern linePolgahawela Junction to Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Jaffna and KankesanthuraiYal Devi, Rajarata Rejini Jaffna night mail,Jaffna ac intercity
Mannar lineMedawachchi Junction to Mannar and Talaimannar
Batticaloa lineMaho Junction to Polonnaruwa and BatticaloaUdaya Devi, Meena Gaya,Pulathisi ice
Trincomalee lineGal Oya Junction to Kantale and Trincomalee
RouteMajor trains
Coastal lineColombo Fort to Galle, Matara and Beliatta; under construction to Beliatta to KataragamaRuhunu Kumari, Samudra Devi, Galu Kumari, Sagarika, Rajarata RejiniDakshina intercity
Kelani Valley lineColombo Maradana to Avissawella
Puttalam lineRagama to PuttalamMuthu Kumari, Puttalam mixed train ,Puttalam express train ,Chilaw express

A proposal to link the railways of Sri Lanka and India never materialised. However, a combined train-ferry-train service known as Boat Mail connected Colombo with Chennai for much of the twentieth century.[50]

A 35 km (22 mi) bridge linking the countries was proposed in 1894, by the consultant engineer for railways in Madras (Chennai). The proposal was seriously considered, and a technical blueprint and cost analysis were made. By 1914, the Mannar line was built to connect Talaimannar on Mannar Island to the Sri Lankan mainland, and the Indian rail network was extended to Dhanushkodi. However, a bridge linking them was not built.[50]

Ferry service connecting the railheads at Talaimannar and Dhanushkodi lasted until the 1960s, when a cyclone destroyed the pier and rail line at Dhanushkodi. The ferry service resumed from the Indian terminus at Rameshwaram, ending due to the Sri Lankan Civil War.[50] A rail bridge (or tunnel) was proposed again during the 2000s, highlighting the benefits of connecting the ports of Colombo and Trincomalee with Chennai.[50]

Urban rail

Suburban Rail
Commuter trains

Commuter rail service connects Colombo to its suburbs, helping alleviate rush-hour congestion on city roads. Local commuter trains use the same tracks as the intercity lines. Colombo's commuter-rail network is 100 kilometres (62 mi) of track from Panadura to Polgahawela via the Fort and Maradana stations. The route is multi-tracked to provide rush-hour service.[51] Electrification of the commuter rail network has been proposed, to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.[52][34]

Metro

A 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge metro system was proposed in the 2010s to give commuters in Colombo a clean, environmentally-friendly transit option. The metro would reduce the load on the overcrowded commuter-rail system and alleviate congestion on major roads.[53] A consortium of three companies is conducting feasibility studies on the project.[54]

Light Rail

The Colombo Light Rail has been funded to $1.25 billion.[55]

Railbus

In areas without significant demand for commuter trains (such as the Eastern province), railbuses connect towns and cities. Railbus service from Batticaloa and Trincomalee allows passengers to travel between the cities with fewer delays.[56]

Tram
Main article: Trams in Colombo

A tram system operated in Colombo from 1899 to 1960. It was operated by Colombo Electric Tramways and Lighting Co. Ltd., before being officially transferred to the Colombo Municipal Council on 31 August 1944.[57]

High-Speed Rail

High Speed Railway Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd (HSRC) has attempted to introduce mag-lev technology to the island, with a line connecting Negombo to Colombo 3.[58]

Issues

Discrimination towards locals

In February 2017, Sri Lanka's Sunday Times criticized SLR for racist washroom facilities at stations. Foreigners may use clean washrooms, but Sri Lankan citizens are forced to use poorly-maintained and often-unsanitary washrooms. Signage clearly distinguish "foreigners' toilets" from other facilities. According to the Sunday Times article, foreigners' facilities were at the Colombo Fort, Mount Lavinia, Badulla, Hikkaduwa and Panadura stations. Transport Ministry secretary Nihal Somaweera said that foreign-tourist toilets were upgraded with funding from the Tourism Ministry. The article described the mindset of SLR's leadership as a legacy of the colonial era.[59]

Accidents
Main article: List of rail accidents in Sri Lanka
  • 18 March 1964 - A train derailed at high speed, killing over 60 people near Mirigama.
  • 19 January 1985 - LTTE bombed the Yal Devi killing 11 civilians.
  • 24 July 1996 - LTTE bombed a train, resulting in 70 civilian deaths at Dehiwala.
  • 19 August 2001 - A train derailed because of high speed and overcrowding, killing 46 between Alawwa and Rambukkana.
  • January 2002 - An intercity express en route to Colombo from Kandy derailed near Rambukkana due to a brake malfunction, killing more than 15.
  • 13 June 2002 – A train derailed entering the Alawwa railway station, killing 14.
  • 26 December 2004 – 2004 tsunami rail disaster – At Peraliya, over 1,700 died in the world's biggest rail disaster by death toll when a train was overwhelmed by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
  • 26 April 2005 (Polgahawela level crossing accident) – A bus trying to pass another bus at a level crossing in Yangalmodara (near Polgahawela) was struck by a train; 37 bus passengers died.
2011 Alawwa accident
  • 17 September 2011 – An S11 passenger train struck the stopped Colombo-Kandy Udarata Manike at the Alawwa railway station. Five people were killed and over 30 injured.[60]
  • 17 May 2012 - After a train struck a stopped train, two trains collided between the Wandurawa and Keenawala stations in Veyangoda.[61]
  • 30 April 2014 - A northbound intercity express collided with the Colombo-bound Rajarata Rajina at Pothuhera, injuring 68 passengers.[62]

A number of other accidents have occurred, including collisions with elephants in the north-central region. Other accidents occur at unsecured level crossings with road traffic. Of Sri Lanka's 1,684 crossings, only 527 are secure.

In an attempt to prevent collisions, SLR has begun installing a GPS-based train-protection system. The system will warn drivers of a possible collision in time to avoid it.[37][38]

Cultural impact

Sri Lanka Railways has become part of popular culture, with references in books and TV shows. A band, Neville Fernando & Los Caballeros, performed a song entitled "Samuduru Devi" during the 1960s about the passenger train. The railway influences how suburban living is perceived, The rail lines in the hill country are promoted to tourists.

gollark: Although said nomads would probably just die off before the sun consumes earth.
gollark: This is probably not sustainable (someone is likely to invent technology again), worse, and either comes under "never using nonrenewable resources" or "will run out eventually".
gollark: It's an example. There are other small-scale manufacturing things.
gollark: Apart from the minor cascading bee events, no.
gollark: > <meta charset="ISO-8859-1">This is wrong and will actually break with some of the round 3 entries.

See also

References
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  2. "Performance Report - 2016: Department of Sri Lanka Railway" (PDF). parliament.lk. The Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
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  4. "Sri Lanka to get 1st electric rail track". www.energy.economictimes.indiatime.com. Energy World. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
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  11. "Dailynews". Railway gets new power sets from China. 23 April 2010. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012.
  12. Dissanayake, Ridma (11 April 2012). "Southern railway line re-opens today". Ceylon Daily News. Archived from the original on 13 April 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
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  40. http://www.infolanka.com/org/mrail/rroutes.html The Rail Routes of Sri Lanka
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Further reading
  • Winchester, Clarence, ed. (1936), "Rail transport in Ceylon", Railway Wonders of the World, pp. 1100–1105 illustrated description of the railways of Ceylon in the 1930s
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