Sri Lanka resumes rail service from Colombo port

Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) yesterday re-commenced container transport by rail from the Colombo Harbour, assisting the government and the private sector to transport cargo at low cost, reported Daily News (Sri Lanka).

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama yesterday flagged off the first 20 containers by rail from the Colombo Harbour.

The minister said that the SLR recommenced container transport by rail after a lapse of two years from the Colombo harbour. The SLR has managed to fulfill the task of the rail transport reasonably well earlier. But this service, which brought considerable revenue to the SLR, was later suspended due to many reasons.

With lorries taking over business, the revenue of the SLR gradually diminished. Hence, the decision to recommence container transport by rail, which is also a good income generating avenue for the Railway Department. This new move will ease traffic congestion and also save fuel, which would in turn boost the national economy as well.

"We must restore these revenue earning avenues since it is beneficial for the masses and the SLR," the minister said.
The programme was a joint effort of the SLR and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, which will facilitate the transport of cargo of importers and exporters via rail at low cost.

With the resumption of cargo transport by rail, traffic congestions in the Colombo city, Kosgas Junction, Ingurukade Handiya, Grandpass and Bloemendhal Road will be eased.

Since, this move will bring more revenue to the SLR, it will lessen the burden on the government to subsidise the SLR and will eliminate the use of container trucks on roads, which is the chief reason for traffic congestion.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)