The government has commenced preliminary work to expand its Metro Luxury Bus Service to the Jaffna District, with a target of launching operations by mid-2027.

As part of the initial preparations, a special route inspection and trial run were conducted in Jaffna today (10) to identify suitable roads, assess technical feasibility and evaluate the infrastructure requirements for the service.

A preliminary discussion on the proposed expansion was also held at the Road Development Authority’s Northern Province Project Director’s Office on Jaffna Beach Road.

The inspection focused on identifying routes suitable for low-floor Metro buses, assessing the technical requirements of the vehicles and identifying locations for new bus stops within the city. Plans to provide private vehicle parking facilities near the proposed bus stops were also discussed.

Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said the Metro Bus Service, which initially commenced as a pilot project with 10 buses, has now expanded to a fleet of 122 buses.

He noted that the service currently covers all three districts in the Western Province — Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara.

Based on the experience gained in Colombo, Jaffna and Kandy have been selected for the next phase of the project, he added.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the expansion would be implemented through Sri Lanka Metro Transit Company, with 100 per cent government funding, under the national development plan extending to 2029.