New Bus Rapid Transit system for Kotte by 2009

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

TRANSPORT: The implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for the Colombo Metropolitan Region (CMR) has been proposed under new development proposals for Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

This comes under high priority transport development projects. The estimated cost of the project would be Rs. 12 billion and expected to be fully operational by September 2009 provided a 100 per cent grant is approved by the donor agency. Chairman UDA, D.S. Jayaweera giving a presentation on the system said that BRT is a flexible and integrated package consisting of technology, customer interface and an operating plan and the system covers a 6.5 km priority bus lane from Dematagoda to Battaramulla which will reduce the massive traffic congestion.

He said that 40,000 public servants will be transferred to the Sri Jayawardanapura area within the next three years and this would increase the traffic congestion further. He pointed out that the existing road system cannot provide the facilities required to cater to the future demand and also the country cannot afford the huge 'investment for road infrastructure.

As such this system has been identified as a practical solution which is not just technology or lines on a map but a vision for the city and its transport system', Jayaweera said. BRT has a capacity to carry 200 passengers per vehicle with low consumption of fuel. Travel time from Dematagoda to Battaramulla will be eight to ten minutes and only buses will be permitted along this lanes.

There will be buses every five minutes and waiting time for transport of public servants will be reduced and it will contribute to improve the productivity of employees.

The study group has identified the land requirement and 47 houses will be relocated. Once the construction is completed it will be operated as a private franchise. Tickets will be issued at the ticket stations and not in the bus.