For the first time in the country’s railway history, the Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) will purchase 20 new power sets from India for long distance travel, a press release issued by the Information Department said yesterday.

The new power sets will be purchased under the Indian Credit Line facility. The Indian Credit facility will also be used to renovate the Fort Railway Station, Southern Rail Track and the Signal System of the Southern Railway.

The new power sets purchased from China will arrive in the island by August this year. The Government has taken several speedy measures to upgrade the railway system in order to provide a better transportation system which is the backbone of the public transport service in the country.

The Ceylon Government Railway, now known as Sri Lankan Government Railway comes under the purview of the Ministry of Transportation. Presently, Sri Lankan Railway network consists of around 1500 kilometers with broad gauge (5 feet 6 inches).