The newly constructed Kadawatha Metro Bus Depot officially commenced operations today (07), marking another step in the expansion of Sri Lanka's Metro Bus service in the Western Province.
The depot was opened under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake, with the participation of officials from Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt.) Ltd and other relevant institutions.
The infrastructure development programme is being jointly implemented as an accelerated project by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt.) Ltd to support the expansion of the Metro Bus service.
The Kadawatha facility is the second Metro Bus depot established under the project. The first depot was opened in Thalangama, Battaramulla, on September 4.
Under the first phase of the project, Lanka Metro Transit plans to establish four new depots in Thalangama, Kadawatha, Ekala and Ratmalana to increase service capacity and facilitate administrative, operational and maintenance activities.
The Metro Bus service currently operates Route No. 01 between Makumbura and Kadawatha via Maharagama. Fifteen new Metro buses have been deployed on the route to provide commuters with improved and comfortable public transport facilities.
Speaking at the event, Minister Rathnayake said the Metro Bus fleet is expected to increase to 122 buses within this month. A Cabinet proposal has also been submitted to purchase an additional 50 buses, with plans to expand the fleet to 172 buses by the end of this year or early next year.
He further stated that the Metro Bus service is expected to expand beyond the Western Province to Galle, Kandy and Jaffna in the future.
The Minister also said opportunities would be provided for private sector participation in operating bus services through agreements with Lanka Metro Transit.
Highlighting plans to strengthen the Sri Lanka Transport Board, Minister Rathnayake said arrangements are underway to import 600 new air-conditioned buses for the SLTB by the end of this year, while an additional 200 buses are expected to be purchased using the Board's own funds.
The Metro Bus project forms a key component of the Government's programme to modernise public transport, with plans also covering the development of bus stops, integrated payment systems, parking facilities and improved connectivity with other transport services.
