Sri Lanka has taken a step towards reshaping its urban transport sector with the recent launch of a new metro bus service, introduced as a pilot project using 10 buses.
As part of efforts to develop the required infrastructure for the service, construction of the first metro bus depot commenced yesterday (4). The depot is located near the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot along the Kadawatha–Ganemulla main road in the Mahara electorate of the Gampaha District.
The project is estimated to cost Rs. 102 million and is scheduled for completion by 30 July 2026.
The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, with funding provided by the Government of Sri Lanka. Transit (Pvt) Ltd., operating as a transport service provider under the SLTB, has been engaged to deliver efficient public transport services under the metro bus system.
Currently functioning as a pilot project with 10 buses, the service is expected to be expanded from August. Plans are underway to scale up operations with 122 buses across six main routes, significantly enhancing service capacity.
Authorities are also in the process of developing the necessary long-term infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of the service, including bus stops, integrated payment systems, depot facilities, and connectivity with other modes of transport.
As part of these developments, construction of the Kadawatha metro depot has commenced, while additional depots are planned in Ekala, Ratmalana, and Talangama. In total, four new metro depots are to be established within the Western Province to support the expanded service.
