Sri Lankan Railways (SLR) - Diesels Locomotives at Colombo Fort Station December 2009

Locomotive arrivals and departures are plentiful at Colombo Fort railway station between the 13th and 15th of December 2009. Plenty of clag and thrash with many classes of diesel locomotive represented.
The station staff, railway police, soldiers and most of all the train crews were the most friendly I ever encountered and for that I hope they accept my deepest thanks... this is in a country still on high alert after the war yet they still found it possible to accomodate my enthusiasm for their railways, its a shame we can't be as outgoing here in the UK at times towards our enthusiasts.
Sri Lankan Railways (SLR) has maintained a great service through difficult times and whilst not the high speed, clean and sanotised railway we know in the west, SLR holds its own and runs a good regular and frequent train service for its people quite with a respectavble level of efficiency. The line is worked by a dedicated and helpful workforce who always have a smile and a good word for you... as well as a cup of tea when they think you are looking too hot!!
Fort station has a large turnover of passengers with thousands passing thru at rush hour. The staff is clean efficent and well run .
If you miss British Rail days then on SLR you have come home as its operation and structures are so similar and whilst not space age the system works well and is coherent and functional... Enjoy!

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[AndreiTupolev]

They still have the water column on the platform end, i notice. Do they have any operational steam locos?

[ICLOK]

They have some at Dermatagoda shed, but not sure now if they are fully operational... they may need overhaul

[rajnikantsharma]

While I absolutely agree that tourists should come to enjoy what Sri Lanka (or any other country they visit) has to offer (if any tourist wants Western facilities, they can always stay home), I would support modernization of trains if citizens/Sri Lankans can travel more comfortably and faster without having to pay an exorbitant price.

[ICLOK]

Hi there, I agree... just make what you already have more efficient... you have a great network that just needsa few good tweaks for its regular users (the people), re-building the railway western style would not work and it would cost the railway not only its character but a lot of unneccessary expense! The railway as is would appeal to most tourists if sold as a traditionally operated railway that gives a flavour of life for everyday Sri Lankan people.

I'm back soon and cannot wait!

[colsuemeg]

Fabulous video.5*. I agree 100% with your comments about SLR staff. On my many visits to Sri Lanka I too found them to be most accomodating and friendly. I have a friend who is an engine driver so I am lucky enough to get cab rides on my visits.

Lets hope they don't go and ruin it all by modernistaion as in the UK.

I saw a fantastic sight on my last visit of platewaymen at work. How wonderful to see the job being done without the H&S police!! I posted the video on you tube so take a look.

[ICLOK]

I already took a look mate... and gave you a 5 *

I got 8 cab rides in two visits... the station staff looked after me well and I even watched some cricket late one night on a trip in June....

To modernise such a system in a such a country will simply lead to higher ongoing maintenance costs and lose the character of the trains routes and railwaywaymen... they should spend on simply improving the stuff they already have... the thought of a highspeed supa dupa line fills me with woe!

[jeevanga]

About five steam locos are operational and are used on Veceroy Special tourist train.I remember I climbed up about 3 of them when they had an exhibition around 1998.

[pkehel]

I love these trains but when you compare these trains to japanese and chinese trains these suck.

[AndreiTupolev]

Fascinating video. Some interesting locomotives. Perhaps they could modernise the rolling stock, but keep the Alcos, please. And they have Class 67s with the engines that were tried out in some Class 37s, then? How fascinating.

[peelig]

@porscheland

Hi, They are the Class M9 of the Sri Lankan Railways and like the EWS Class 67, they too are Alstom Prima locos. However, they have Ruston 12RK21T engines of around 2000up.

[porscheland]

What are the locos that look like a class 67 ? do you know what diesel engine they use ?.

[vkchaitanya2003]

1940s trains in lanka

[banuthev]

Thanks for sharing the wonderful video

[shiranthas]

This is so cool