Mar 10, Colombo: Sri Lanka's newest expressway, the phase one of the Colombo Outer Circular Highway from Kottawa to Kaduwela became instantly popular within hours after its opening to the public from 12 noon Sunday.

The Road Development Authority announced the fares for the use of expressway Sunday.

Accordingly, the motor cars have to pay Rs. 100 for the trip from Kottawa to Kaduwela. Vans are charged Rs. 150 and the heavy vehicles are charged Rs. 300.

The Ministry of Highways sources said that about 1,200 vehicles had entered within the first three hours after the opening. The motorists brought an income of around Rs. 200,000 during the first three hours.

The phase one of the Colombo Outer Circular Highway was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa Saturday.

Meanwhile, an express bus service on the newly opened expressway will commence within the next two weeks, the Transport Ministry said.