Transit shelters for stranded commuters

Irangika Range

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has taken measures to construct transit centers for passengers stranded in Colombo during the nights on a special directive by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

It was revealed in a recent survey carried out by the Colombo University, that about 125 passengers who travel to Colombo by the public transport get stranded in the Colombo city each week.

Minster Alahapperuma was laying the foundation stone for a new transit house yesterday at the Stores Premises situated closer to the Colombo Fort Railway Station.

The Minister said that passengers who arrive in Colombo from various parts of the country are unable to complete their tasks within one day and get stranded . Most of them take shelter inside bus stands and the Fort and Maradana Railway Stations.

Not only girls but also even mothers had been raped while so being stranded with no proper security and protection in these places . The new overnight shelters will have all necessary security and protection for the passengers who get stranded .

This concept was initially mooted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the benefit of the traveling public .

HUBEI, a Chinese company which provided new railway engines and power sets to our railway has provided Rs.50 million for the project.

This two storied transit house comprises 150 beds and will be accommodate men and women separately. The construction work of the project is due to be complete by December next year..

A bus ticket or the railway ticket with the date of issue will be considered for admission while a nominal Rs.100 will be charged by one passenger.

Passengers can have a bath and the washing machines are there to wash their clothes.

This will be the best hub for passengers to stay their nights with high protection and freedom. The Center will be open to passengers from 5pm and close at 10am ..

This is a novel concept implemented with the welfare of the traveling public in mind. In keeping with the social responsibility of the Government. “We invite donors and welwishers to help in the maintenance of Colombagedera, he said.

Ninety two percent of the local commuters use the public transport while only 8 percent use their own vehicles.

The transport sector was facing difficulties owing to various influences, fraud and corruption and strikes etc. But within a short period, we were able to bring the transport system to a high level despite a number of challenges.