The Transport Ministry yesterday sought parliamentary approval for a Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 4,750 million to purchase power sets, engines and to upgrade the coastal railway line.

Chief Government Whip, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardene presented the paper to the House.

The explanatory note of the paper said that in 2009 budgetary allocations approval had been granted for Rs. 1,000 mn to purchase power sets and engines through the Indian line of credit. However, it had been estimated that Rs. 2,500 million would be spent in 2009 and 30 percent of the total expenditure had already been paid as an advance. To purchase 15 power sets under the Peoples Republic China Aid Rs. 1,450 million was sought. Another Rs. 3,300 million was sought to upgrade the coastal railway line.