’Sahasara’ project to be introduced in WP: Ashok Abeysinghe

The 'Sahasara' project is to be introduced in the Western Province together with the Megapolis Ministry to provide an effective transport system, Transport and Civil Aviation State Minister Ashok Abeysinghe said yesterday.

Speaking at the committee stage debate of the Ministry of Megapolis Western Province Development, he said discussions were underway with Megapolis Ministry to initiate the project shortly.

"The pilot project was introduced in the Central Province. We have identified its positive things and shortcomings. It will be introduced in the Western Province in an effective way," he said.

"This project will be a solution to the over speeding due to competition among bus drivers and overcrowded buses as a pre-paid card will be introduced to passengers. Bus owners will be paid according to the number of kilometres they run," he said.

The Minister said a new luxury bus service would commence on the Southern Expressway (E01), initiating from the Kottawa-Makumba multi-purpose transport centre which is to be opened on this Sunday.  (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)