Potuhera–Rambukkana Stretch Set to Open by March

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Road Development Authority (RDA) states that the Potuhera–Rambukkana section of the Central Expressway could be opened for public use by March next year.

The RDA also noted that expressway construction projects are now being initiated primarily using local funding, with the involvement of local contractors.

Engineer Anuradha Hettiarachchi, Director General of the Road Development Authority, stated that cabinet approval has been granted for the construction of the Rambukkana–Galagedara road, which will be awarded to seven local contracting companies. 

The project is valued at Rs. 112 billion and is expected to be completed within three and a half years. 

"Work on the Potuhera to Rambukkana section is largely complete, and we expect to open it for public use by around March next year. Construction from Potuhera to Galagedara will also commence," he said.

In addition, work on two more expressways is set to begin by the end of this year. 

"We have received instructions to initiate the Kurunegala to Dambulla section, up to Galewela, using local funding. As a first step, we are likely to award tenders for the Kurunegala to Galewela section by the end of this year. Procurement activities are already underway and designs have been finalizedm," he noted.

Furthermore, the RDA plans to recommence construction on the Ruwanpura Expressway, which was halted midway, up to Ingiriya within next year. 

"Until external funding is secured, we will proceed using our own funds. Therefore, we do not foresee any financial difficulties with these projects,” he added.