Class S12 is a diesel multiple-unit (DMU), built for Sri Lanka Railways by China's CSR Corporation. The first batch arrived in Sri Lanka in August 2012. They were built to replace locomotive-hauled passenger trains. Seven of the S12 DMUs were ordered to strengthen long-distance travel on the Main line from Colombo to Badulla. Four of S12s will serve the Kelani Valley Line. The remaining two designed as luxury trains.[1]
History
The S12 DMUs were meant to improve services on the Main Line and the Kelani Valley Line. The steep slopes on the up-country portion of the Main Line is difficult to operate. Prior to the S12, only a few models of locomotives were capable of operating this line. As DMUs started to replace locomotive-operated trains on other lines, the up-country Main Line could not be operated by DMUs. The S12 is the first DMU to handle these conditions.
The locomotives are purchased under a USD 101 million credit line agreement with China. The loan would be settled within 15 years.[2]
In September 2012, the first units had trial runs.[1] The first Main-Line train using the S12 began on 23 October 2012.[3]
