Declining locomotive and power set fleet puts train operations at risk - Station Masters' Association

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association (SLRSMU) has warned that railway operations could face a crisis due to the declining number of operational locomotives and power sets within the Department of Railways.Speaking on the issue, the Association's Secretary, Kasun Chamara, urged the authorities to take immediate measures to address the situation and ensure that train services continue according to the existing timetable.He stated that the Department of Railways' total locomotive fleet, which stood at 106 in 2023, has declined to 98 in 2026 following the withdrawal of eight locomotives from service.According to Chamara, nearly 450 train services were operated under the 2023 timetable, requiring 74 locomotives. However, only 68 locomotives were in operational condition at the time.He noted that the number of operational locomotives has since declined further to 49.Meanwhile, the Department's power set fleet has decreased from 109 in 2023 to 106 in 2026, with three power sets being withdrawn from service.Chamara said that 88 power sets are required to maintain the current train schedule. However, while 78 power sets were operational in 2023, that number has now fallen to 52, resulting in a shortfall of 36 operational power sets required to sustain existing services.Overall, the Department's combined fleet of locomotives and power sets has declined from 261 in 2023 to 242 in 2026, following the withdrawal of 19 units from service.The SLRSMU Secretary stressed that the relevant authorities must take prompt action to resolve the existing issues and prevent disruptions to railway operations.