The Government has begun preliminary planning to extend its Metro luxury bus service to the Jaffna District, with operations expected to commence by mid-2027.

As part of the preparations, a special route inspection and trial run were conducted in Jaffna yesterday (10) to identify suitable roads for Metro buses and assess the infrastructure required for the proposed service.

The inspection focused on identifying routes suitable for low-floor buses, assessing the technical requirements of the vehicles and determining appropriate locations for new bus stops.

Plans also include providing parking facilities for private vehicles near the proposed bus stops.

The Government aims to launch the Metro bus service in Jaffna by mid-2027.

Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said the Metro bus service, initially launched as a pilot project with 10 buses, had now expanded to a fleet of 122 buses.

The service currently operates across the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts, while Jaffna and Kandy have been selected for the next phase of expansion, he said.

Under the national plan extending until 2029, the project is expected to be implemented through Sri Lanka Metro Transit Company with full Government funding.