| dc.description.abstract | Sri Lanka Navy is an organization which runs totally on the funds allocated by the government. Since the navy is a non-profit oriented entity, it is very much pertinent to find the ways and means to ensure the cost effectiveness in all operations. Transport is one area where huge amount of money is spent from annual budget allocation to the navy. This research evaluates the cost benefits and operational advantages of using railway transport for logistics cargo within the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), compared to the traditional road transport method. The primary objective was to assess whether railways could offer a more cost- effective and efficient solution for transferring non-urgent bulk cargo to various naval logistics installations across the country. The analysis focused on five key destinations located near railway stations, using data from the Transit Stores at Welisara and Ragama railway station as the loading point. Cost comparisons between rail and road transport were conducted, revealing substantial savings when using rail, particularly for longer distances. For instance, the difference in cost between road and rail transport for destinations such as Putlam, Medawachchiya and Trincomalee ranged from 15,000 to 68,000 Sri Lankan Rupees. This financial benefit is amplified in a challenging economic environment, where even modest savings contribute significantly to the overall efficiency of military logistics operations. The study also included interviews with key naval and railway officials, which highlighted several operational barriers to railway adoption. These included concerns about the availability of cargo handling facilities at railway stations, the security of cargo and the adherence to rigid train schedules. However, the findings indicated that many of these barriers could be addressed through coordination with railway authorities, such as the provision of additional loading/ unloading facilities and improved cargo security measures. Based on these findings, the research recommends a stepwise approach for SLN to integrate railway transport into its logistics operations, beginning with pilot projects and followed by training programs for relevant personnel. This shift to railway transport promises not only to reduce logistics costs but also to alleviate pressure on road infrastructure, contributing to more sustainable and efficient national transportation systems. | en_US |
