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The master plan for a modern and mega city ‘integrated city bus terminal’ is ready for takeoff, with its completion at an estimated cost of $ 50 million tipped to revolutionise the ease and look of transportation in the commercial capital of the country.
Experts at the Ministry of Transport have conceptualised the master plan and finalisation of the traffic plan and detailed construction dynamics with inputs from international experts will see the Government rolling out the project to make it a reality.
Options for Public-Private Partnerships are being considered to maximise potential and resources.
The integrated facility encompasses an area of 500,000 square feet, and an underpass will link the main Pettah bus terminal and the Fort Railway Station.
The project has provision for a monorail station as well.
When completed, with an estimated two-year construction period, the integrated terminal will provide commuters world-class convenience, comfort, and security, as well as improve public transportation with greater use of well-connected bus and rail services.
The proposed modern bus terminal will be 4- storeys tall with three exclusively providing around 450 units for shopping opportunities as well as banking – two popular activities carried out at present in a disorganised manner in different locations within the main railway and bus terminals.
According to Transport Ministry sources, Pettah at present has a daily commuter traffic of 300,000, comprising 210,000 taking bus service and 90,000 using train service. Since 320 bus routes originate from Pettah, around 3,100 buses enter the existing main terminal and surrounding areas. However, the present facility has only 12 properly-sheltered main bus stands.
There is some overlapping and Transport Ministry experts have identified that once streamlined, the number of routes will be much lower. In a more organised setting, the new complex will have 120 bus quays for loading passengers and 20 for unloading.
With regard to train services, services and capacity are at their peak during 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. as well as 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. However, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the usage of rail capacity is an alarming 5%.
The Transport Ministry said the integrated facility with more streamlined services and greater convenience and connectivity, the usage of train for public transportation during off peak hours could be increased considerably. At present revenue from rail services average Rs. 5 billion per annum and a further Rs. 1 billion increase is forecast under the new integrated plan.
The proposed master plan and the overhaul of city rail and bus services is part of the Government’s major thrust to transform Colombo into a modern and efficient city, Ministry sources said.
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