The Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to terminate the Japan-funded Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which was planned to be implemented from Colombo to Malabe as a solution for the severe traffic congestion.
The approval of the Cabinet was previously granted to launch the project under the funds provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
However, the observations made by the Transport Minister have revealed that the project is unable to achieve the desired results.
Taking into account the following observations, the Cabinet has decided to terminate the LRT project:
The project had intended to build a light rail system as an alternative mode of transport that facilitates people who enter the city of Colombo for employment and other needs, using their personal vehicles.
However, the former government had altered the initial plans and took measures to implement the proposed light rail transit system on a railway line built on towers which can cause severe environmental damage.
If the project is implemented, a large number of properties including houses, workplaces will have to be demolished and the cost for constructing the towers for the light railway system will be sky-high.
In addition, the trains that were to operate under the proposed Light Rail Transit system as an alternative mode of transport will not be up to par to provide the required facilities.
Further, it has been observed that if the Light Rail Transit project implemented, the operating cost will be too heavy.
