News
A nostalgic ride
A steam-powered train is to run between Fort-Ambepussa, marking the inception of railways services in Sri Lanka, Railways General Manager Dhammika Jayasuriya said.
This service is hoped to uplift the tourist sector which has taken a severe beating from the pandemic.
Before diesel locomotives replaced them, these great metal horses hauled goods along the up-country line during the British era.
Mr Jayasuriya said “The chance to travel in steam locomotives is pure nostalgia and will be loved by all passengers.”
He added that the completion of several wooden compartments required for this purpose has already been done at the Ratmalana Railway Yard.
“At present, the Railways Department owns three steam locomotives that can be operated, and is planning to start the service by fixing the wooden compartments to each engine.” He added that the Railways Department has two B1 steam engines and a B2 type.
The special railway service is to be named after the British Governor of the era.
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- A wooden compartment
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- Still working
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- Resurrected locomotive
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- The great metal horse
