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]
| Sri Lanka Railways Class S12 | |
|---|---|
 Class S12 No. 925 | |
| Manufacturer | CSR |
| Built at | Sifang, China |
| Family name | D 22 (KV Set) |
| Constructed | 2012 |
| Number built | 22 trainsets |
| Number in service | 22 |
| Formation | MCG + 3xTC + 3xSC + 1xFC + 1xRC + MCG (Main Line Set), MCG + 5xTC + DDCG (KV Set) |
| Capacity | 44 (AFC) + 66*3 (TC) + 52 (TCBU) + 44*3 (SC) = 426 |
| Operators | Sri Lanka Railways |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Manufactured In Stainless steel |
| Car length | 50 ft (15.24 m) |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) (De-rated 80 km/h or 50 mph) |
| Weight | Engine Horse Power 1950 (KW 1450) |
| Prime mover(s) | MTU 12V4000R41 Two engines per unit in Main Line Set |
| Engine type | V12 |
| Transmission | Diesel-electric |
| Braking system(s) | Air (Knorr-Bremse), Dynamic |
| Coupling system | Automatic (dual) |
| Track gauge | 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) |
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]
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 | 2[1] | 8 |
Current operations edit
Main Line sets
- Colombo Fort - Kandy / Matale - Badulla
Office sets
- Colombo Fort - Polgahawela - Rambukkana
- Colombo Fort - Negambo
- Colombo Fort-Kosgama
Luxury sets
- Colombo Fort - Anuradapura - Pallai
- Kandy - Ella
References edit
- ^ a b c d e Range, Irangika (5 September 2012). "Five more power sets in operation". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ a b Range, Irangika (18 October 2012). "New power sets to reduce travel time - minister". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- ^ Range, Irangika (23 October 2012). "Luxury train service launched". Ceylon Daily News. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
