After 60 Years, Pettah Bus Terminal To Get A Makeover

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will officially launch the long-overdue renovation of the Pettah Central Bus Terminal. 

This is the first major upgrade to the terminal in over six decades, since its establishment in 1964.

Once a vital hub for intercity and regional travel, the terminal has fallen into severe disrepair, causing daily hardship for the nearly 75,000 passengers and 1,500 bus drivers and staff who rely on its services. 

Basic amenities have deteriorated to the point of being unusable, with rest areas neglected for over 30 years.

The renovation project, estimated at Rs. 425 million, will be carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force and is expected to be completed within eight months, according to Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Jeevaka Prasanna Purasinghe.

The project aims to restore functionality, safety, and dignity to one of the country’s busiest transport nodes.

During the renovation period, all non-scheduled long-distance bus services will be temporarily relocated to Bodhiraja Mawatha (100 Feet Road). 

SLTB Deputy General Manager (Operations) P.H.R.T. Chandrasiri clarified that this location is situated behind the main terminal, making it easily accessible for passengers.