The District Committee on Transport and Highways, which reviews matters related to the transport and highway sectors in Kegalle District, met yesterday (12) at the Auditorium of the Kegalle District Secretariat under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Dr. Nandana Millagala.
Under the island-wide project to modernize 100 railway stations, the Rambukkana Railway Station has been selected for development. Designs have already been prepared for the construction of the second platform, and further activities will be carried out according to the priority list. In addition, steps are being taken to install audible warning signals at locations where unsafe railway crossings exist. Construction work for five such gates has already commenced. Meanwhile, plans are also underway to modernize the Ihala Kotte Railway Station and develop it as a tourist attraction.
The second phase of the Central Expressway, covering the section from Rambukkana to Galagedara, which is part of the route from Pothuhera to Galagedara, commenced in May. Construction work is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed within 36 months. The current progress of the project was also reviewed at the meeting.
It was also announced that work on the alternative road in Warakapola town is scheduled to commence on the morning of the 24th and is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The meeting also reviewed the current progress of several issues, including revenue-related problems at depots in the district, staff shortages, the preparation of coordinated timetables, and the deterioration of road networks. It was noted that the Rambukkana Depot had managed to significantly increase its revenue during the previous month through improved service management and measures aimed at minimizing losses. The shortage of test kits used to check whether drivers under the influence of alcohol have also used drugs was discussed, along with the requests already made for additional kits and the need to expedite their provision.
It was further stated that 700 new recruitments will be made to the Sri Lanka Transport Board this year. Since these recruitments will be carried out at district level, it is expected that solutions will be found to the existing staff shortages and related issues.
The meeting also revealed that a new Sri Lanka Transport Board depot for Kegalle District is to be opened at a new location in Paragammana. In addition, arrangements are being made to install signs indicating long-distance bus services at bus stops along the main roads of the district, with this work expected to be completed within the next three months of this year.
Under this year's Rural Bridge Development Programme, the need for 30 projects has been identified, and the obstacles affecting their implementation were also discussed. Under the Rural Road Development Project, Rs. 249.47 million has been approved for this year, and work on 34 projects has already been completed.
A lengthy discussion was held on the above matters as well as numerous other issues relating to the transport and highway sectors.
The District Planning Division organized the meeting.
Kegalle District Members of Parliament Mr. Manoj Rajapaksha and Mr. Samantha Ranasinghe, the Kegalle District Secretary, the Director General (Planning) of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Private Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Highways, the District Planning Director, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of officials representing the transport and highway sectors participated in the meeting.
