Feasibility test for modern public transport system

Sandasen MARASINGHE

A Korean company conducting a feasibility test to construct a modern public transport system in Sri Lanka, entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University of Moratuwa to conduct collaborative research projects for planning, construction, engineering, design and technology advancements.

Media spokesman for Garamspace Company in Korea, which is nearing the end of the feasibility test on this project, L Ihalagamage said the feasibility test will be over soon and when construction commences, it could be completed within three years.

He said the cost of the project is estimated at US $ 500 million.

Ihalagamage said the first phase of the proposed monorail system will be constructed in a 10 km stretch from the Fort Station to Battaramulla.

"The second phase is proposed to be constructed from Moratuwa to Maradana and then to Kaduwela. It is proposed to amalgamate the Airport Railway and Colombo Monorail (BIA to Colombo-Airport Express Railway)," he said. He said Gramspace has been carrying out various studies and discussions with the Transport Ministry and Sri Lanka Railways on this project since 2008.

Ihalagamage said initially, the project was promoted by BoI following targets set in the Mahinda Chintanaya. He said the first Project Steering Meeting was held with Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and the Ministry Secretary in January 2010.