12 March 2017 04:03 pm
The project which was introduced as a long term solution for the heavy traffic congestion in Colombo will be conduct as a trial version for a period of one week and will be concluded on March 19. As the first steps the dual lanes between Rajagiriya junction to the Ayurvedic Junction and the road from the Ayurvedic Junction to the Rajagiriya junction would function as Priority lanes.
The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development announced that the entire project was initiated under the advisory of the Prof. Amal Kumarage with the support of the Korean government’s KAICA Institute.
The ministry said that a monitoring team has been created to review the outcome of the project, including officials from the Megapolis and Western Development Ministry, Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Transport Board, Sri Lanka Police, Moratuwa University, Western Province Passenger Transport Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council.
Introducing the pilot project - Priority lane as a means of reducing the traffic congestion in Colombo and the suburban areas, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka said the proposed lane concept is a result oriented one and implemented in European Countries and in Singapore.
Minister Ranawaka said, while developing the transport services the country should work on more practical and less cost effective practices.
He also said that the recent census shows between 150-180 buses move towards Colombo Fort from Battaramulla during the rush hours from 7am - 9am and at 4.30pm.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala, Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Prof. Amal Kumarage participated at initiating the project. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)