Sri Lanka Railways M11

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Class M11
Sri Lanka Railways class M11 - 951 diesel electric locomotive.jpg
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel Electric
BuilderBanaras Locomotive Works, India
Build date2018-2019
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Fuel typediesel
Prime moverEMD 12-710G 3C
Performance figures
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Power output3,000 hp (2,200 kW)
Career
ClassClass M11
Number in class949-958
LocaleSri Lanka
Current ownerSri Lanka Railways
DispositionActive

Class M11 is a mainline diesel-electric locomotive built by Banaras Locomotive Works, India, for use on Sri Lanka Railways and first delivered in 2018.

The completed units are delivered by road trailer from Varanasi to the port of Chennai, before shipment to Sri Lanka. The units feature a microprocessor control system, TFT monitors as display units and roof-mounted Dynamic Brake Resistors. The locomotives were built under the auspices of the Make in India program. [1]

As of January 2020, ten M 11 locomotives have been purchased under an Indian loan, with 8 being brought into the country. A total of 10 locomotives and 6 power sets were purchased for Rs 1000 million. [2]

Local railway trade unions have expressed concern that the locomotives are not suitable for the rail lines in Sri Lanka. Union officials say the locomotives are too long to safely operate on local rail lines, being longer than any locomotive in service in Sri Lanka. They also note that the locomotives are equipped with an air compressor brake system, while most carriages in use in Sri Lanka have vacuum brakes, noting that the new M11s can’t be used with most carriages in the country other than recently imported Chinese coaches. [3][2]

The union officials also explain that railway lines in Sri Lanka are not maintained to such a high standard as they are in India and that using a high horsepower locomotive to pull only a few carriages seemed wasteful. Major rail lines would need to be rebuilt in order to use the M11 locomotives to their full potential. The locomotives are deemed unsuitable by their operators for their tasks they are assigned, putting public safety at risk. Union officials have expressed concern that government officials received large commissions when the locomotives were delivered. Railway officials have said all allegations are baseless. [3][2]

A significant accident occurred when M11 number 953 derailed on 19 December 2019 on the line between Maradana and Dermatagoda stations, causing the line to be shut down for two days. The Puttalam and Kelani Valley lines were also affected by the accident. [3]

See also[]

  • Diesel locomotives of Sri Lanka

References[]

  1. ^ Nag, Devanjana (4 March 2019). "Indian Railways continues to export locos! These new 'Make in India' locomotives are being sent to Sri Lanka". Financial Express. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Newly imported Indian locomotives are not suitable for Sri Lankan tracks says Railway Trade Unions". newsfirst.lk. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Samaraweera, Buddhika (29 December 2019). "Putting lives on the line: Train Travel - a Nightmare". Ceylon Today. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
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