Elevated railroads: Some questions

The Cabinet, it is reported has approved the construction of an elevated railway track to serve Colombo suburbs. Is this the same Japanese-funded project, which was cancelled by the current government? Or, is this a completely new project”

Whatever it be, the question arises whether this is the right time to undertake such a gigantic project, when the country is facing severe financial problems, and having to pay back loans.

Readers may remember that an engineer once wrote on this subject, saying that if the elevated track (KV line) was to be constructed, over the existing rail track, to reduce the time taken, then the simple solution was to build fly-overs at railway level crossings and straighten the bends, now existing, to allow free and quick movement of both rail and road traffic, without any obstructions. This appears to be a sensible solution, based on common sense. Has the government done a feasibility study, and its financial viability, before launching this project? Or, is this a political project, without consulting experts, both financial and engineering?

Given the pathetic state of affairs in the Department of Railways, will the government, with a high-cost elevated railway line, be able to increase its revenue? It is very likely the construction will be undertaken by the Chinese, and if the government fails to pay back the loan, the Chinese may offer to operate the service, as done in Kenya, which obtained a loan to the tune of US$2,2 billion for construction of a railway track from Mombasa to Nairobi and failed to pay it back. It is also reported that Zambia has handed over its national airport to China, for failing to repay the loan. In the alternative, taxes will have to be increased considerably and the present government will have to face the political consequences.

It is earnestly hoped the government will postpone this project and seek public views on it, if necessary.

G. A. D. SIRIMAL

Boralesgamuwa