Yal Devi - way to prosperity

S R Balachandran

Recently at a meeting held at BMICH pertaining to development program for North sending Yal Devi up to Kankesanthurai was discussed. Some members inquired as to whether this suggestion is beneficial especially when our railway department is running at a loss. Northern Line was considered as the most profitable line in the past.

Yal Devi was started in 1956 in addition to two night services (Mail and Express). Since it was successful Uththara Devi was introduced later. The following factors have to be considered about the new program.

Whether the marginal revenue is more than marginal cost, that is after computing variable cost per kilometre the income per kilometre should be estimated and this should be more than the marginal cost. If not train fares have to be increased.

Overheads may not be high as there is already a train service up to Vavuniya. It must be computed and the additional fixed overheads should be recouped with additional revenue. Break even point should be assessed too.

Capital cost (purchase of engines, compartments, clearing of railway lines, reconstructions of new stations even allocation of houses for those who are occupying the railway lines and stations as suggested). We have to compute the payback period for this project and seek foreign assistance. it should be remembered that Yal Devi was under Colombo plan scheme donated by Canada.

The new system of collecting Rs. 1,000 from public in return of free journey is commendable. In the meantime, A9 road should be cleared and bus service should commence as follows:

Fort to Jaffna.

Fort to Thandikulam.

Thandikulam to Jaffna.

I am certain private bus owners will actively participate in this task. By commencing bus service the following advantages will accrue. Travelling will become cheap and fast.

Transport of goods (especially food items) will reduce the price and also will create a demand for our agricultural products.

Trade will improve along with more jobs. Small business close to stations, main bus halts, eating houses, repairing service will commence.

Transport of patients would be easy.

The domination of Air and Sea transporters will diminish.

Poultry, dairy farming (breeding of goats), fresh water fishing will improve.

At the same time the following steps should be taken. Armed Guards should be deployed for train and bus service as well. I remember late Lalith Athulathmudali announced that Armed Guards could be deployed if requested by the bus owner to prevent robbery, violence, arson and looting.

CTB also should run parallel service or otherwise this will result in private bus owners’ domination which we already face in other areas. Adequate security checks along the route without much harassment to the passengers is essential. Additional police posts should be opened. I am certain, like in the past Uththara Devi will follow Yal Devi the path of prosperity.