Power type Diesel Build date 1995 onwards UIC class Co'Co' | Total produced M8(8), M8A (2) | |
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Builder Diesel Locomotive Works | ||
Sri Lanka Railways Class M8 is a class of Sri Lankan diesel-electric locomotive that was developed by Diesel Locomotive Works at Varanasi, India, in 1996. This class of locomotives was fitted with 2,800 hp (2,100 kW) V16 power units. This is used on both passenger and freight trains on Sri Lanka Railways. Currently this is the most powerful locomotive in Sri Lanka.
Contents
Performance
This locomotive is capable of hauling 20 carriages at once but usually not used to haul more than 18 carriages. Major problems that are seen in this class are maintenance difficulties and corrosion.
M8A
Two (877 & 878) short truck M8A locomotives were delivered in 2001. They were imported to use on Up country main line, but it was impossible to run them due to their wheel design. M8A locomotives were built using 2,200 hp (1,600 kW) V12 power units.
Current operation
M8 and M8A are not used on the Main Line above Navalapitiya and on the Kelani Valley Line but are operated on other lines. This locomotive is used when it need to pull much heavy load. Mainly used in flat lines like Northern Line, Trincomalee Line, Batticaloa Line and Coastal Line.
Depot for the M8s is Diesel Electric Locomotive Shed at Maradana.