Bus terminals to be redeveloped countrywide: Ministry

The Private Transport Services Ministry has initiated a programme to redevelop both private and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus terminals across the country with Rs.600 million of funds, the Ministry said yesterday.

Ministry Secretary Padmasiri Jayamanna said a mega project was being drafted to improve transport infrastructure facilities under the direction of the Finance and Planning Ministry’s National Planning Department and the collaboration of the Moratuwa University. He said a major part of the funds, a sum of Rs.300 million would be allocated to construct and redevelop bus terminals at Hingurakgoda, Tangalle, Pitabeddara, Kotagala, Pasgoda, Hakmana and Rattota. “Hambantota, Kokkadichcholai, Kaluwanchikudy, Kegalle and Medirigiriya bus terminals will also be redeveloped among many other bus terminals,” he said. Habaraduwa, Walasmulla, Lunugamvehera bus terminals and the second phase of the Akuressa bus terminal were to be redeveloped with Rs. 105 million keeping up with the development projects of the 2015 Deyata Kirula. The Ministry said the Vavuniya Bus Terminal will be redeveloped with Rs. 104 million while 74.6 million rupees had been allocated for the renovation of the Talawakele bus terminal. It said the Mulatiyana, Thirukkovil, Panama and Pulmude bus terminals and the first phase of the Akuressa bus terminal had already been declared open and handed over to the people.