(UTV|COLOMBO) – The government is planning to establish a Light Rail Transit System (LRT) in capital Colombo that will be operational by 2025.The Government is taking measures to implement a project on Light Rail Transit System (LRT) to establish an efficient and effective passenger transport system in the Colombo Mega polis area, a statement on recent Cabinet decisions said.
Under the proposed system, 7 LRT lines have been planned to be constructed and in this respect priority has been given to the LRT line running within Colombo and the LRT line extending towards Malabe from Borella via Battaramulla. It is expected to commence the operation of the Colombo Light Rail (CLR) system by the year 2025.In accordance with the agreement with the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), which provides funds for the construction of the proposed two roads, the related regulatory frame work has to be drawn up before commencing the construction of the two roads, the statement said.
In November Last year the cabinet approved awarding a consultancy service contract to the South Korean firm M/s Seoyoung Engineering Co. Ltd., (SYE), Saman Corporation for a cost of Rs. 202 million to carry out the Pre-Feasibility studies prior to the construction of the Light Rail Transit lines.
Accordingly, the proposal made by Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka to establish a legal entity for the regulation on management of the proposed LRT, to provide for relevant legal provision and to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare the Sri Lanka Light Rail Transit System Bill received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
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