Govt to fast track infrastructure investment

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

To overcome the dearth of investment during the last three decades creating an enabling environment for speedier economic growth the government will fast track infrastructure investment over the next decade,

Transport Ministry Secretary, and the chief guest at the Moratuwa University Transport Research Forum 2011 and International Conference Dammika Perera said at the Intercontinental Hotel Colombo yesterday. He said that the Transport Ministry also will ensure that all those who use transport services are able to do so safely and efficiently.

Speaking on highway engineering and transportation systems Perera said that the national transportation system will be an integrated, intermodal system that can economically move anything, anywhere, at anytime without fatalities and injuries; and also a system that is compatible with the environment safety, security, efficiency, and reliability.

Referring to the benefits due to world-class infrastructure people will waste less time and fuel while stalled in traffic jams and due to bus and train delays. There will be less transportation-generated pollution and noise in communities. Access will be increased to high quality, public transportation during peak travel periods, he said.