The Railway Department currently has only around 50 operational locomotives, despite having 98 locomotives in its fleet, according to a departmental report.
The report states that 74 locomotives are required to maintain railway services under normal operating conditions. In 2024, the department had 53 operational locomotives.
The department also has 242 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), mainly used for office train services, but only 118 are currently operational. The report notes that 193 DMUs are required to maintain services under normal conditions.
In 2024, the department had 258 DMUs, of which 148 were deployed for operations.
Railway trade unions claim that the shortage of locomotives and DMUs has led to the cancellation of several train services daily. They also allege that technical faults in some locomotives and DMUs have contributed to increased delays.
The unions say they have repeatedly informed the General Manager of Railways about the issues but have not received a satisfactory response.
Against this backdrop, 27 railway trade unions are planning to launch a strike on September 17, citing the continuing problems within the Railway Department and the alleged failure of the General Manager to address their concerns.
The Unprotected Railway Crossing Gatekeepers’ Association has also announced that it will support the planned strike.
Association Secretary Anil Kumara Navaratne said the union had requested discussions on several occasions to resolve issues affecting its members, but the General Manager had not provided an opportunity for talks.
Meanwhile, representatives of the trade unions involved in the planned strike are scheduled to meet the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport today (14) at 3.30 p.m. The discussion will take place at the Ministry of Transport.
