Makumbura commuters get better deal

The consent of residents in Malapalla is to be obtained by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Railways Department for the Makumbura development programme.

The Makumbura project is to construct a railway station, bus station and parking facilities for those travelling to Colombo from different areas. Under the project the railway and bus stop will be constructed at the same location. Parking facilities are also to be

TheMakumbura project involves a railway station,bus station and parking facilities for commuters

provided for commuters to park their vehicles at the facility and take bus or train to the city.

Officials said the project had already begun. The Malapalla Station situated 200 metres from the Makumbura transportation centre is also to be relocated under the project.

Speaking at the Maharagama district Committee meeting, representatives from the Railways Department said the process of shifting the railway station had already begun. However, Chairman of the Committee Minister Dinesh Gunawardena however said the station was used mainly by local

residents and therefore their consent would have to be obtained for the project.

“The project officials do not use the station, it is the residents. Therefore you should ask them if they are agreeable to shift the railway station. If they don’t agree, we cannot shift the station. We will have to intervene only, if they do not agree to this project. If they agree we have no problem in continuing the project,” he said. However, Urban Development Authority (UDA) officials said they were in the process of speaking to the residents about

the issue.