9,718 incidents of train delays reported in 2019

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka Railways has submitted a report to Minister of Transport of Passenger Transport Mahinda Amaraweera pertaining to frequent train delays.

The report cites several reasons for the numerous train delays.

Minister Amaraweera had informed the Railways Department to submit a detailed report on public complaints related to train delays and the reasons behind the delays.

Accordingly, the report cites the delay in train engines, less compartments, engine failures or malfunctions, brake issues, lack of train drivers, controllers and assistants, signal errors, inclement weather, special railway announcements, railway track maintenance and railway trade union strikes to the many train delays.

The report claims 9,718 train delays were reported in 2019 while 5,710 of such instances were a result of strike actions.

1,495 delays were a result of lack of engines, 435 due to lack of compartments, 164 instances due to lack of drivers and 108 incidents related to train derailments.

250 special railway announcements, 103 engine failures, 28 incidents of lack of assistants and controllers, 25 engine malfunctions, 91 incidents of minimum commuters, 51 incidents of signal failures , 32 incidents related to inclement weather and 381 security reasons were also cited as reasons for train delays.