Sri Lanka Railways M9
The Sri Lankan Railways M9 locomotive is a mainline 6 axle Co'Co' diesel electric locomotive built by Alstom (manufacturers code AD 32C) and imported in 2000 for the Sri Lanka Railways.
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The locomotives initially had both electrical and mechanical problems, and several were out of service for several years. In 2010 the process of returning the fleet to service began.
History
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Ten units were ordered in 1997 and delivered in 2000, costing 190 million Sri Lankan rupees each. By 2010 only 3 were in operation due to technical problems,[1] Various problems were described including engine malfunction, and problems with the engine control units,[3] as well as the machines requiring modifications for use on curving track.[4]
The delay in returning the locomotives to service was ascribed to an unaffordability of spare parts,[3][5] and prohibitive cost of work by foreign firms.[4]
The first of the 7 inoperative locomotives, number 869, was returned to service after 6 years in September 2010, following work by the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) and the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI).[3][6]
Operation
M9s were not allowed on line above Nawalapitiya, Kelani Valley Line and Matale line.[7]
References
- "Diesel Locomotives of Sri Lanka : Locomotive classification". srilankanlocos.com. M9. Archived from the original on 28 December 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
- "Diesel Locomotives of Sri Lanka : SLR Locomotive data". srilankanlocos.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011.
- "Performance Report of the Ministry of Technology & Research - 2010" (PDF). techresearch.atsrilanka.com. Ministry of Technology & Research (Sri Lanka). 2010. pp. 16, 24.
- Don Asoka Wijewardena (12 September 2010). "Ten locos idle in SLR workshops - Modified French locomotive completes successful test run". island.lk. The Island.
- "SL Class M9". phantasrail.com. Archived from the original on 21 November 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
- "French engine Alston AD 32C (M9) back on track". Lankapuvath. 21 September 2010. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
- Hyatt, David (2000), Railways of Sri Lanka, Supplement Part 1 (2007) p. 30, ISBN 0-9537304-0-9