SLTB to get 600 new deluxe AC buses for intercity travel

Colombo, July 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procurement of 600 deluxe air-conditioned buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to upgrade intercity and long-distance passenger transport services.

The decision revises an earlier plan under the government’s 2026 investment programme, which had allocated Rs. 14.4 billion for the purchase of 600 standard buses with seating capacities of 49 to 54 passengers.

The revision follows the introduction of the Road Safety Plan 2025-2026, which established new standards for passenger transport vehicles, including safety and operational requirements for buses used on long-distance routes.

Under the updated guidelines, minimum specifications were introduced for three categories of buses suitable for intercity services. The revised standards require air-conditioned deluxe-class buses to be deployed for extended passenger journeys to improve safety, comfort and service quality.

Accordingly, the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development submitted a revised proposal to replace the planned purchase of standard buses with deluxe models. The Cabinet approved the amendment, allowing the allocated funds to be used for acquiring 600 air-conditioned deluxe buses that meet the new requirements.