Cabinet approves development of key Multi-Modal Transport Hubs across the country

Colombo, Nov. 11 (Daily Mirror) - In line with the government’s national policy to modernize and streamline public transport, plans have been set in motion to establish a series of multi-modal transport hubs across the country. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency by connecting various modes of transport—such as buses, trains, and taxis—within key transit and main cities.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval in principle to the proposal submitted by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, which calls for the development of several major hubs on a priority basis. These hubs will be developed following formal feasibility studies to improve interconnectivity and passenger convenience.

Accordingly, the following transport hubs have been identified for development:

• Kandy Multimodal Transport Hub – Construction underway with World Bank financing.
• Anuradhapura (South) Multimodal Transport Hub – Construction nearing completion under the Anuradhapura Combined Urban Development Project.
• Anuradhapura (North) Multimodal Transport Hub – Feasibility study completed; preliminary work in progress.
• Fort Multimodal Transport Hub – Proposed under the ComTrans Master Plan for urban transport in Colombo and suburbs.
• Moratuwa Multimodal Transport Center – Proposed by the ComTrans Master Plan.
• Ragama Multimodal Transport Center – Identified through a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study.
• Avissawella, Galle, Katunayake, and Kurunegala Multimodal Transport Centers – Identified by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
• Gampaha Multimodal Transport Center – Identified under UDA urban plans and the Colombo Suburban Railway Electrification Project.
• Katunayake Multimodal Transport Hub – Identified under the Airport Development Plan.
• Kalutara Multimodal Transport Center – Proposed by the District Coordination Committee.
• Kankasanthurai Multimodal Transport Center – Identified in line with UDA urban plans.

This large-scale infrastructure initiative is expected to significantly improve passenger mobility, reduce travel time, and support Sri Lanka’s broader urban development and economic growth goals.