Kandy Traffic Problem: Congestion, Pollution & Kandy Kassa

Photo credit – Facebook I Love Kandy 

By Siri Gamage –AUGUST 28, 2017

Dr. Siri Gamage

Recently I spent two weeks at Peradeniya on a family visit. During this time, I used public transport between Kandy and Panideniya on Peradeniya road. The period coincided with Kandy Perahara and there was additional traffic. Nonetheless, I was appalled to observe the conditions on the road and the difficulties the public including school children and parents face. Here, I explain the issues and possible solutions in the hope that authorities in the Yahapalana government will take note.

Congestion

The road from Kandy to Peradeniya is about 5 kms. From Peradeniya there is another 2 kms to Panideniya on lower Gampola road passing Peradeniya railway station. This part of the road is in a terrible state (However, there is some activity on ground to expand and renovate this section). One day I spent 1.5 hrs in a bus to move between Kandy and Mulgampola during peak hour. Distance is about 3 kms. The congestion was so bad that vehicles moved at snails phase. Reasons for this congestion are manifold:

1. There are two lanes going from Peradeniya to Kandy in the upper road (Uda Para). However, only one lane from Kandy to Peradeniya. Thus there is less space for buses, trucks etc to move faster.

2. Three wheelers fill the gaps when vehicular traffic moves as well as not move. They don’t follow traffic rules.

3. Excessive number of vehicles on road. There are cheaper Indian made, Malaysian and other cars on road. I even saw a car in a size of a three-wheeler.

4. No attempt has been made to widen the road and introduce additional lanes in the upper road (Uda Para). Instead the strategy has been to develop alternate roads (e.g. Lower road/Yata Para)

Solution

1. Widening the Upper road and introducing another lane from Kandy to Peradeniya

2. Constructing an overpass from Kandy to Peradeniya (less preferred)

3. Constructing a driverless Sky Train (as in Bangkok) above ground with public-private partnership.  Have several stations in between.

4. Along with 3 above, construct a wider footpath and a cycleway above ground between Kandy-Peradeniya (Important for modern lifestyle purposes. Shoppers and tourists can use. Cycles ought to be available at both ends for hire).

Pollution

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