Railway Diesel Power-set project goes ahead with Chinese help
View(s):The Government’s decision to go ahead with the Ratmalana Railway Diesel Power-set factory project to improve railway efficiency without modernising the 87 -year-old existing workshop complex, has triggered protests from over 2000 workers.
The move, using Asian Development Bank funds, could result in neglecting the Ratmalana Railway workshop complex, which consists of 34 huge factories established during British rule in 1936 in a 34-acre land and considered as one of the biggest resources in Asia, railway trade unions leaders warned.
This railway workshop operated under the Chief Mechanical Engineers Sub department plays a vital role in maintaining the rolling stock of the Railways.
It presently consist of 180 locomotives of 21 different types, 800 passenger coaches, and 1,500 freight wagons, a senior official of the department said.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport and Highways to award the contract to China Civil Engineering Construction Company.
It was the lowest responsive bidder in accordance with the recommendation of the Cabinet Appointed Standing Procurement Committee, the official said.
Instead of working to restore the existing complex, the authorities are destroying the railway by taking millions of dollars in loans and launching projects that could be used to plunder the money, co-convener of the Railway Trade Union Alliance S.P. Withanage said.
He pointed out that the repair work carried out by the Ratmalana factory has been hampered by now, and although spare parts and accessories, modern technology, engine lubricants and trained labour are essential for the necessary repairs, there is no intervention from the authorities.
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