Class M10 is a mainline
diesel-electric locomotive built by
Banaras Locomotive Works, India, which is the largest diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer in India,[2] for
Sri Lanka Railways and constructed in 2012.[3] M10 is similar in appearance to DLW WDM3D but specifications are somewhat different. This is one of the longest locomotive types in
Sri Lanka.[4] These Locomotives are for the Sri Lanka Railways as part of the ongoing
Northern Railway reconstruction project.[3]
History
Class M10 locomotives were introduced in 2012 numbered 915, 916, 917. These were used mainly on freight and oil trains. They have also been used irregularly on
passenger services. M10 locomotives were also used for ballast trains in the construction work of the rail lines to
Talaimannar and
Kankesanthurai.
Class M10A
Another 6 locomotives were imported in 2012 were named under M10A class numbered 941 on wards. This is a technical variant of original M10 locomotive.
On 20 September 2013, an M10A locomotive was successfully sent on trial to
Kandy, the first time they were sent on the up country line.
Usage
This class was used for construction work at the Talaimannar and Kankesanthurai lines. After extending the northern line to
Jaffna and beyond, M10s were used for passenger services including
Yal Devi on the northern line.