Sri Lanka Railways S12 is a class of Diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) built for Sri Lanka Railways by China's CSR Corporation. The first batch arrived in Sri Lanka in August 2012. They were built to replace locomotive-hauled passenger trains. Seven of the S12 DMUs were ordered to strengthen long-distance travel on the Main line from Colombo to Badulla. Four of S12s were built to serve the Kelani Valley Line. The remaining set was designed as a luxury train.[1]

History

The S12 DEMUs were meant to improve services on the Main Line and the Kelani Valley Line. The steep slopes on the up-country portion of the Main Line is difficult to operate. Prior to the S12, only a few classes of locomotives were capable of operating this line. As DEMUs started to replace locomotive-operated trains on other lines, the up-country Main Line could not be operated by DEMUs. The S12 is the first DEMU to handle these conditions.

The locomotives were purchased under a USD 101 million credit line agreement with China. The loan was to be settled within 15 years.[2]

In September 2012, the first units had trial runs.[1] The first Main Line train operated by the S12 began on 23 October 2012.[3]

Most of the named services operated by the S12 DEMUs were later taken over by the newer S14 DEMUs.

Current fleet details

Class Configuration Operator No. in service Year Built Cars per Set Unit numbers.
S12 Main Line Set Sri Lanka Railways 7[1] 2012 - 2013[1] 8 917-939
Office Set 4[2] 7
Luxury Set 1[1] 8

Operations

A S12 DEMU passing over the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
Configuration Line Starting Station Key Stations Terminus Station
Main Line Set Main Line Colombo Fort Kandy / Matale Badulla
Office Set Kelani Valley Line Colombo Fort Polgahawela Rambukkana
Negombo
Kosgama
Luxury Set Main Line Kandy Ella
  • A S12 at Ohiya station
    A S12 at Ohiya station

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Range, Irangika (5 September 2012). "Five more power sets in operation". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  2. ^ a b Range, Irangika (18 October 2012). "New power sets to reduce travel time - minister". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  3. ^ Range, Irangika (23 October 2012). "Luxury train service launched". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Railways_S12
No tags for this post.