Hitachi Monorail System, the world’s prominent entity in establishing the Monorail system of transport, said it wishes to consider its contribution if a Monorail is to be established in Colombo.

The Hitachi Monorail System representative who accompanied Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on his Sri Lanka visit pointed out that the Monorail system is the most eco-friendly and efficient transportation system.

A Monorail system is being planned at a cost of around USD 1.3 billion to ease the traffic congestion in the Colombo city and a feasibility study has also been completed.

Japan’s JAICA is prepared to fund the first phase of this project.

Establishing a kilometer of Monorail is estimated to cost around USD 57 million.

According to the already completed feasibility study the Monorail project would be from Malabe via Robert Gunawardene Mawatha in Battaramulla to cover the National Hospital, Union Place, the World Trade Centre, Colombo Fort to Kotahena.

A Monorail system is also planned from Kollupitiya to the National Hospital.

This is expected to be extended from Kotahena to Kelaniya under the second phase.

The first phase of establishing a Monorail system is estimated to take about eight years.