Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena says several measures are being taken to minimise elephant-train collisions, even if it results in a loss for Sri Lanka Railways.
Addressing the media, Deputy Minister Gunasena said the train schedule of the Batticaloa night train was amended from 07.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
“This change in time caused inconvenience to the public, and also resulted in a financial loss to the Railway Department. But we decided it was essential to protect the elephants,” he said.
The Deputy Transport Minister further said that the engine of the Batticaloa night train was changed from S-class to a powerset, enabling wider windows for the visibility of the train driver.
“This powerset gives a wider view from the front of the engine for the driver. It also enables the train driver to immediately stop the train if he spots elephants, preventing an accident,” he said.
Deputy Minister Gunasena also noted that lighting has been provided along forest areas, and steps have been taken to fill gaps in railway tracks in which an elephant’s foot could get stuck.
Pointing out that several such measures are being taken to prevent elephant-train collisions, he said it will at least help reduce the crisis to a certain extent. (Islandnews)
