The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLRSMU) has raised concerns over a potential disruption to railway services, citing a sharp decline in the number of operational locomotives and power sets within the Department of Railways.
SLRSMU Secretary Kasun Chamara urged the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to restore the fleet and ensure train services continue without affecting the current timetable.
According to the Association, the Department’s locomotive fleet has decreased from 106 in 2023 to 98 in 2026 after eight locomotives were taken out of service. Of the 74 locomotives required to operate approximately 450 daily train services, only 68 were operational in 2023, while the number has now dropped to just 49.
The Association also pointed out that the number of power sets has fallen from 109 to 106 during the same period. Although 88 power sets are needed to maintain the existing train schedule, only 52 remain operational, leaving a shortage of 36 units.
Chamara further noted that the Department’s combined fleet of locomotives and power sets has declined from 261 to 242 over the past three years due to the withdrawal of 19 units from service.
He warned that unless urgent measures are taken to address the shortage of operational rolling stock, railway services could face significant disruptions in the near future.
