Jump to content

Sri Lanka Railways S12

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sri Lanka Railways Class S12
Class S12 No. 925
ManufacturerCSR
Built atSifang, China
Family nameD 22 (KV Set)
Constructed2012
Number built22 trainsets
Number in service22
FormationMCG + 3xTC + 3xSC + 1xFC + 1xRC + MCG (Main Line Set), MCG + 5xTC + DDCG (KV Set)
Capacity44 (AFC) + 66*3 (TC) + 52 (TCBU) + 44*3 (SC) = 426
OperatorsSri Lanka Railways
Specifications
Car body constructionManufactured In Stainless steel
Car length50 ft (15.24 m)
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph) (De-rated 80 km/h or 50 mph)
WeightEngine Horse Power 1950 (KW 1450)
Prime mover(s)MTU 12V4000R41 Two engines per unit in Main Line Set
Engine typeV12
TransmissionDiesel-electric
Braking system(s)Air (Knorr-Bremse), Dynamic
Coupling systemAutomatic (dual)
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)

Class S12 is a diesel multiple-unit (DMU), built for Sri Lanka Railways by China's CSR Corporation. The first batch arrived in Sri Lanka in August 2012. They were built to replace locomotive-hauled passenger trains. Seven of the S12 DMUs were ordered to strengthen long-distance travel on the Main line from Colombo to Badulla. Four of S12s will serve the Kelani Valley Line. The remaining two designed as luxury trains.[1]

History

[edit]

The S12 DMUs were meant to improve services on the Main Line and the Kelani Valley Line. The steep slopes on the up-country portion of the Main Line is difficult to operate. Prior to the S12, only a few models of locomotives were capable of operating this line. As DMUs started to replace locomotive-operated trains on other lines, the up-country Main Line could not be operated by DMUs. The S12 is the first DMU to handle these conditions.

The locomotives are purchased under a USD 101 million credit line agreement with China. The loan would be settled within 15 years.[2]

In September 2012, the first units had trial runs.[1] The first Main-Line train using the S12 began on 23 October 2012.[3]

A S12 At Ohiya Station

Current fleet details

[edit]
Class Configuration Operator No. in service Year Built Cars per Set Unit numbers.
Class S12 Main Line sets Sri Lanka Railways 7[1] 2012 - 2013[1] 8 917 - 939
Office sets 4[2] 7
Special Sets 1[1] 8

Current operations

[edit]

Main Line sets

Office sets

Luxury sets

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Range, Irangika (5 September 2012). "Five more power sets in operation". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  2. ^ a b Range, Irangika (18 October 2012). "New power sets to reduce travel time - minister". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  3. ^ Range, Irangika (23 October 2012). "Luxury train service launched". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 27 October 2012.