I had nothing better to do so, i compiled this list :scouserd:

All Proposed Highways and Expressways (From RDA.lk)
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/alleway.jpg

All Ongoing Projects -

http://www.rda.gov.lk/ongoing.htm

U/C Major Projects-

Southern Expressway

BACKGROUND
This is the longest Expressway out of the proposed Expressway Network. This is run from Kottawa to Matara and also include Galle fort access road. Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC) are the main funding agencies for this project.

OBJECTIVES

* Improve transport facilities for future development of Southern Region.
* Provide a highway to act as a catalyst in encouraging and attracting industries and services for the Economic and Social development of the region.
* To promote inter-regional transport facilities by developing this road, considering it as a major component of the proposed Expressway network.

BENEFITS

* Reduce travel time between Colombo to Matara.
* Reduce traffic congestion on Colombo-Matara Road, and reduce delay costs, fuel costs there by contributing to national economy.
* Attract private sector investors and there by contributing to expand the job market
* Development of fisheries, agriculture, industries in the region .
* Expand tourism presently confined to the coastal belt, along Colombo-Galle-Matara.
* Development of Galle port.
* Development of the towns belong to 11 interchanges as Economic Centers
* Enhance the value of land and property in the region

DESIGN DETAILS

Total Length - Kottawa to Matara - 126 km

Galle fort access - 4.9 km

Design Speed - 120 km/hr

Stage I - Kottawa to Dodangoda - 4 lane

- Dodangodato Godagama - 2 lane

Final Stage - Kattawa to Matara widening of 6 lanes

U/C Pictures (Might be Old, but better than Nothing.) -

http://www.davidgreen.org/opencms/export/system/galleries/pics/dg-photos/DSC00011.JPG
http://www.davidgreen.org/opencms/export/system/galleries/pics/dg-photos/DSC00213.JPG
http://www.davidgreen.org/opencms/export/system/galleries/pics/dg-photos/DSC00218.JPG
http://www.forum-adb.org/images/STDP/Damming%20across%20wetlands.JPG
http://www.adb.org/Projects/STDP/img/stdp-main.jpg


Colombo Katunayake Expressway
I have no idea what is going on now, and its being U/C for a Looong Time. Still here goes
BACKGROUND

The Colombo Katunayake Expressway (CKE) is the first of many expressway projects the Government of Sri Lanka is in the process of implementing in order to strengthen and expand the country's road network with a view to fostering a greater economic development in Sri Lanka. The CKE will be the first fee levying road project in the country.

OBJECTIVES

*Create a high speed link between Colombo and Katunayake (International Airport)
*Serve the traffic to and from the Northern part of the island
*Link with the rapid industrial expansion in the area
*Encourage outward migration of people living under congested condition in and around Colombo

DESIGN DETAILS

*Speed Limit: 0 to 8 Km - 80 Km/h

8 - 25 Km -110 Km/h
*Length of Road: 25.1Km
*Width of Carriageway: 25.4m
* Number of Lanes: 4
Images- (Alot of the Pics were posted on SSC by Serendib :) and from AutoLanka)
Concepts Mostly
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/4001/untitled17ed.jpg
http://img230.echo.cx/img230/7281/colkatuex38ud.jpg
http://img230.echo.cx/img230/1927/colkatuex41xk.jpg
http://img230.echo.cx/img230/7461/colkatuex50pb.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/7442/negamboroad3rp.jpg

Huge Pic, Its the huge clearance in the corner just below the runway (http://img173.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc021020xy.jpg)


There are somemore projects but could someone else add them, It took me sometime to find the images.

And does anyone know the status of Outer Circular Highway.

RDA says
As at present Outer Circular Highway is proposed to commence at Kerawelapitiya, to proceed through Kadawatha, Kaduwela and connect to Southern Expressway at Kottawa. Aim of the project is to provide a major orbital road to connect the major roads. Outer Circular Highway is a 4-lane access controlled highway with provision for expansion upto to 6 lanes. It will have fencing, frontage roads where required, interchanges to connect major highways and expressways, underpasses and overpasses for traffic flow on other roads.

.

Nice updates!

"120 km/hr".....wow...I am impressed:D

Thanks for the pics. Much appreciated!!

Latest news:

Highway project hits road block
Thursday, September 07,2006
COLOMBO: After the Colombo-Katunayake highway project was recently inaugurated with much fanfare, the government has now decided to terminate the agreement signed with the Chinese government over disputes regarding funding. Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle told journalists on Wednesday the government made this decision as it could not afford to pay the 8% interest rate asked by the Chinese government.


He said according to the MOU signed by former President Chandrika Kumaratunge last year the Chinese government had agreed to provide US$ 291 million at a concessionary interest rate of 2% but instead had later asked for 8%.


Mr Fernandopulle said the government was currently negotiating with a French company which had undertaken to complete the project at US$ 200 which was about $ 90 million less than the figure quoted by China.


Meanwhile he said the government has decided to launch a massive project to reconstruct the Matara-Karativu highway at a cost of $ 6.2 billion with the funds to be provided by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank at concessionary rates.

Minister Fernandopulle said the highway project, which included the reconstruction of 45 bridges and 68 culverts, would be inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa next month at Thanamalwilla.

http://www.southasianmedia.net/cnn.cfm?id=323096&category=Services&Country=SRI%20LANKA

B]Sri Lanka's first solar power street lighting project[/B]
[
21-09-2006

Highways Minister Jeyeraj Fernandopulle opened Sri Lanka's first solar power street light project in Sri Lanka recently at Palawatta on the Battaramulla - Thalawathugoda main road.

The project was launched on a concept by Minister Fernandopulle to encourage the participation of local companies to develop innovative highway solutions to improve the road network of Sri Lanka, Ministry sources said.

Success Holdings, a local company for innovative solutions, has developed the solar power street light system along the road stretch from Palawatta to Kottawa, under the guidance of Minister Fernandopulle.

Chief Executive Officer of Success Holdings (pvt) Ltd., Asanka De Alwis said that their company had invented the current system with the support given by Minister Fernandopulle, Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman M.B.B.S.Fernando and RDA Western Province Director T.L.M.Fernando among others.

"The system is fully owned by the company. The wiring system, functioning method, even the lamp posts are manufactured by the company under the brand name North-bridge," Alwis said.

The company has developed other energy saving effective methods after this. Success Holdings is now having solar based solutions for other highway-related problems, he said. "We are in a position to provide intelligent traffic systems, railway crossing systems which comply to international standards to meet any requirement in Sri Lanka," said Alwis.

Meanwhile , RDA General Manager R.W.R.Premasiri said that the RDA had promoted solar power street lighting as an energy saving cost effective method for Sri Lankan roads. "The Authority has promoted local entrepreneurs on the directions of Minister Fernandopulle. Steps will be taken to promote them based on their performances," he said.

Can't go wrong with solar;)

in terms of road expansion maintenace, the head of RDA should be shot, many projects are simply stopped halfway for lack of funding and have so many labourers working for minutest projects. Unions are really damaging Sri Lanka's economic drive.

Road expansion project on road to Badulla which is postponed due to lack of funds (2005)

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2608/hpim0423xw6.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/2943/hpim0425qj9.jpg

Unions are really damaging Sri Lanka's economic drive.

I agree. If SL is to develop its economy, Unions should be banned. Going on Strikes for every fricking trivial matter. Good example is the medical sector and the latest port strikes.

Ok, so there was something about a bill being passed to ban the union actions and freeze funds of any union going on strikes and consider anyone doing so to have vacated his/her post in essential services sectors . But then a 'political party'(Guess what) in the ruling coalition and of course the unions started saying it was unconstitutional and 'abuse of executive power' and now the president says that they retracted the bill :(

Could have been a big improvement. I hate strikes.

^ If I may ask, what's the widest road/highway/expressway in Sri Lanka? And at how many lanes is it? :)

Well, the normal 'Highways' Connecting Far away towns are mostly 2 lanes (1 per side). There are some one ways with about 5 lanes. And The road i take daily has 4 lanes per side (8 lanes total). There might be wider ones with less but wider lanes though.

Lanka will soon float tender for south rail link extension project

Colombo: Tenders will be called shortly for the extension of the Southern Railway line from Matara to Kataragama. The Cabinet has approved the calling of tenders for this project and the New Railroad Development Ministry is busy preparing the necessary papers for it, said Ministry Secretary Nihal Somaweera.

He said the Ministry has already received initial project proposals from six foreign companies pertaining to the construction work. Among them are three companies from China and one each from Malaysia, Australia and Korea.

The proposed new railway line will be 120 kilometres long and the project is estimated to cost Rs. 30 billion. The first stage of the project from Matara to Beliatte will be 27 kilometres and is estimated to cost Rs. 6 billion.

Somaweera said the Ministry is now in the process of acquiring land necessary for the project from Walasgala to Beliatte and surveying work relating to construction work of this stretch of the railroad has been entrusted to the Survey Department. The ministry hoped to begin construction work on the project by the middle of next year.

Construction on Outer Colombo Circle Road to begin soon

Sept 30, Colombo: An Outer Colombo Circle Road linking the three expressways being developed in Sri Lanka will be constructed from Kottawa to Kerawalapitiya in Wattala, says the Sri Lankan Ministry of Highways.

Sri Lanka�s Colombo-bound expressways from Matara, Kandy and Katunayake will be interlinked with the new Outer Colombo Circle Road, which will drive along the city outskirts.

Minister of Highways Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said construction will be carried out in three stages. Stage One from Kottawa to Kaduwela will commence soon and the compensation to those who will be deprived of their property has already been paid, the Minister said.

Work on Katunayake-Colombo expressway to start soon

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

COLOMBO: Changes to the Colombo-Katunayake expressway are unlikely a hopefully work could be started very soon, said Project Director (Colombo Katunayake Expressway) Road Development Authority Pushpa Gunaratne.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Chamber of Construction Industry on expressways at Galadari Hotel Colombo on Tuesday.

He pointed out two major problems in the project, firstly the technical problem in treating clay soils as the road trace has been selected mostly along marshy areas and secondly the difficulty for the Government to find a suitable donor agency to implement the project on acceptable terms and conditions.

However, the technical problem, although costly could be solved with the latest techniques available but with regard to the financial problem there are two options for the Government, if the required finances could not be found he said.

One is to shift the road trace where the construction cost is less and the new alignment is more environmental friendly, two is to abandon the project completely.

Gunaratne pointed out that in the 25 years history there has not been a single occasion where a decision was taken to abandon the project considering the fact that it is the direct link to the commercial capital from country's only international airport and other benefits.

He said many suggestions have been made by various parties to change the road trace, and one such proposal was to construct it over the existing railway line. But there are several important factors that have to be clarified and found solution to consider this proposal favourably.

Construction cost, connectivity to the Colombo city and other main cities, provision to interchanges, connectivity with other expressways and disruption to the railway transportation are those factors and such moves are also unlikely to change the existing road trace Gunaratne, said.

more : http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/10/12/news40.asp

Looks like a interesting project. :)

Sri Lanka concludes ADB deal to up funding for Southern highway

Sri Lanka has concluded talks with the Asian Development Bank for an additional 90 million dollars to expand the country’s Southern expressway, Treasury Secretary PB Jayasundera said Monday.

The 300 million dollar highway will connect Matara in Sri Lanka’s rural Southern region with the capital city Colombo in the Western province.

The 126 kilometre expressway is to be expanded from the initially planned two lane highway to a four lane highway, on safety grounds to manage traffic congestion.

“We have spoken to the ADB for supplementary funding to expand the Southern Highway and we have concluded that and are now accelerating the project,” Jayasundera told a seminar at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

Top officials with the Bank’s office in Colombo said the funding had been approved in principle and is likely to be available in the first quarter of next year.

The ADB is funding about 30 percent of the estimated 295.9 million dollars project cost, co-financed with the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC).

Sri Lanka’s highway’s ministry said earlier that it was also negotiating with JBIC for supplementary funding.

Other donors include the Nordic Development Fund and the Swedish International Development Corporation Agency.

The government has committed 6.6 billion rupees for construction and 2.5 billion rupees for land acquisition and resettlement. At a final stage, the highway is to be extended to a six lane highway, with 11 interchanges.

However, delays two years ago and court battles in acquiring land and paying compensation to resettled families, together with expanding the road, could push the highway back by about two years from an initial target date of 2008.

The highway is one of a host of large scale infrastructure projects identified by the government under a recently rolled out ten year infrastructure plan.

The government wants to boost the government’s infrastructure investment to five percent of Gross Domestic Product over the next few years, Jayasundera said.

Urgent projects for which donor funding has already been lined up includes a 450 million dollar, 300 megawatt coal power project in Norachcholai, expansion of the port as well as road and highway projects.

“Serious infrastructure projects have begun. We spent two months with the ADB and told them to re-examine their portfolio in Sri Lanka. Now funding is available for roads, electricity, water supply, irrigation, housing and livelihood development,” Jayasundera said.

On Sunday, Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapakse also flagged off a 125 million dollar upgrade to a small airport in Weerawila, South of Colombo, which is to become the island’s second international airport by 2009, handling 2 million passengers a year.

Sri Lanka expects gross domestic product end this year to touch 7.4 percent, led by growth in telecom, ports, industrial and agricultural services.

Hope these actually happen......


Construction of two highways to begin in Sri Lanka next year

Saturday, November 25, 2006, 14:26 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Nov 25, Colombo: Sri Lankan Minister of Highways Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said today in Parliament that the construction of highways from Colombo to Katunayake and Colombo to Kandy would start next year.

The French government will assist Sri Lanka in the construction of the Colombo-Katunayake highway, while Malaysia will help in the construction of the Colombo-Kandy highway.

The Minister revealed these facts while giving the reply speech at the committee stage debate on the budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Highways.

He further said that the construction of a new 350 km highway from Matara in the Southern Province to Karativu in the Eastern Province will be started next year. Work on the Habarana-Manampitiya and Valachchenai highways will also begin.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive/November25142643SL.html

He further said that the construction of a new 350 km highway from Matara in the Southern Province to Karativu in the Eastern Province will be started next year. Work on the Habarana-Manampitiya and Valachchenai highways will also begin.


damnnn!! a 350km highway??? so what there tryn 2 do basically is build a highway all around the coast??!!! seems lyk building castles 2 me!!

building coastal highways can be very important and productive. ie. port connectivity, enables more tourism activity, and better connectivity in general for an island that has many important cities along the coast. Can als obe seen as statergicalyl important. So it is well worth the effort.

well worth the effort..sure! but considerin the red-tape just imagine how long such a project would take??!!! the airport expressway has been put on and off soo many times...its jus dragging on and on..dont you think the same thing will happen to these projects as well???

dont you think the same thing will happen to these projects as well???

..it will ;)

but does it mean that is a good reason to put off future highway projects in Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka to amend the Land Acquisition Act to boost infrastructure development

Wednesday, November 29, 2006, 14:16 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Nov 29, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government is to amend the Land Acquisition Act to overcome problems arising in infrastructure development.

Sri Lanka Ministry of Highways sources said the work on the Kirulapone-Ratmalana road, which extends the already developed Baseline Road, is now temporarily suspended due to three court orders. Residents who are losing their lands to this development work have filed cases against the government.

There has been similar legal action for the Marine Drive and the Colombo-Matara Highway as well.

The government is going to amend the Land Acquisition Act to avoid adverse legal impact on infrastructure development.

Wow.. Finally, Hope this works out :)

Sri Lanka's plans for Colombo-Matara expressway to be changed to avoid problems

Saturday, December 2, 2006, 14:06 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Dec 02, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Ministry of Highways has decided to alter the plan for the Colombo-Matara expressway to avoid human and environmental degradation, Ministry sources said. However, the Ministry will have to bear an extra cost of Rs. 800 million for the changes.


source : http://www.colombopage.com/archive/December2140653SL.html

:|

:lol:

Four new railways to be laid in Sri Lanka

Sunday, December 3, 2006, 14:13 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Dec 03, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Ministry of New Railway Development, which has named 2006-2016 as the 'Railway Decade', has planned four new railway lines to expand the country's rail network.

The new railways are to be laid from Matara to Kataragama (113 km), from Avissawella to Hambantota via Ratnapura (210 km), from Kurunegala to Habarana (80 km) and from Panadura to Horana (18 km).

The new railways are to be finished by 2016 at a cost of Rs. 95.3 billion.

seriously, the new Weerawila Airport will be doomed if the Colomb- Matara highway and its extension ( is it a highway aswell.. it better be one ) is not completed by 2009. Thats why I am stressing that projects success depends a lot on an integrated approach. The highway/rail extension to Hambantota has to be done simultaniously with the airport construction.

no kidding.. but unfortunately there are many factors acting against that too

wow.. wow. One thing for sure, this govt is good in coming up with new proposals/plans indeed. Buthow about implementation? Hopefully this will come true.....


Foreign- funded Colombo Metro feasibility study begins

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

RAILWAYS: The proposed Metro railway system for Colombo suburbs is underway and already a consortium of three companies is conducting feasibility studies on this project. The studies would be completed by June next year.

A rare feature of this project is that the entire funding for the project would come from foreign investors.

The consortium consists of Siemens of Germany; OPUS of Malaysians NEB Infrastructure India and UTI bank India. OPUS Malaysia, which is managing the Malaysian MRT, is expected to manage the Colombo Metro while Siemens of Germany would provide the trains.

The initial discussion in this regard was held last year with the Board of Investment and approval was granted for this project.

The cost of each kilometre is expected to be around US $ 100 million.

An official of the BoI said that the Metro Colombo would initially consist of 22-kilometres and would be built on the center meridian on the main road.

"This would minimise land acquisition which is a major problem in many infrastructure development projects," he said.

The consortium is now conducting studies on the three proposed routes for the Colombo Metro.

The main Metro station would be at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Fort. From this point Metro would run to Ratmalana and Battaramulla.

The second stage of the project would be to the Colombo airport via Peliyagoda.

Traffic jams is one of the major problems in the Colombo city and the introduction of the Colombo Metro would reduce travelling time to the Colombo by almost 70 percent. "Since more people would be travelling in the Metro there would be less traffic to Colombo," he said.

more..http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/12/06/fin01.asp

does anyone has pics of existing motorways/expressways?

does anyone has pics of existing motorways/expressways?


I don't think there is much of a existing Motorway in Sri Lanka. Many projects started but got held up. So its very slow progress when it comes to 'express'ways in Sri Lanka :(

expect workers from colombo's private bus companies to begin protesting against a metro since so many would lose their jobs.

expect workers from colombo's private bus companies to begin protesting against a metro since so many would lose their jobs.

well people have the right to voice their grievances but not at the cost of development. Metro is vital in Colombo in the future. I am sure even after metro there would be need for buses along the Galle Rd so all is not lost.. i hope.

I don't think there is much of a existing Motorway in Sri Lanka. Many projects started but got held up. So its very slow progress when it comes to 'express'ways in Sri Lanka :(

Well atleast it must have some highways

All i can see here, is proposed ones, or just contruction work. Would love to see the current/existing highways, even if they are not motorways.

Well atleast it must have some highways

All i can see here, is proposed ones, or just contruction work. Would love to see the current/existing highways, even if they are not motorways.

uh.. most of the existing roads looks like this I think... modest really. are you happy ?

http://users2.ev1.net/~turton/lanka/62612.jpg

"Highways" in Sri Lanka Connecting the cities all look like that... still, but often when nearing the town it gets a little better and wider but there you go, a perfect picture of the 'highways' of SL.

And about the metro all i have to say is 'Finally !' but since we are talking about SL im still not sure it will be completed or atleast started on schedule.

more on the metro.. or elevated light rail ? Looks like it is going to be a totally elevated or ground level system. No underground stretches.

Delhi Metro to help Sri Lanka build light rail transit system
MD Sreedharan, Railway expert

By A Business Correspondent


The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd is assisting the Government of Sri Lanka to develop a light rail transit system for Colombo to reduce traffic congestion and provide quick access to the city centre.
A special delegation led by E. Sreedharan, Managing Director, DMRC Ltd, visited Sri Lanka along with Indian Railway experts to help Sri Lankan experts to prepare a more detailed project proposal on a light rail system for Colombo, the Daily News reported in Colombo. The team of experts from India made a presentation to their Sri Lankan counterparts at a meeting chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Western Region Development, and other government officials.
Once the project proposal is completed, it would be implemented as a joint venture project with financial assistance from donor agencies.
A group of Sri Lankans visited Delhi a month ago to study the Metro Rail system and invited DMRC officials to visit Colombo to discuss the proposal for a light rail transit system for the Lankan capital. "The way the Delhi Metro project is being executed has received worldwide attention," Sreedharan told newspersons in Kochi, a few days prior to his Colombo visit.
Sri Lanka's Ministry of Western Region Development is coordinating the development of the project that is estimated to cost $920 million (Rs 4,410 crore). The elevated light rail is proposed to be built on the 34-km stretch from Moratuwa to Kiribathgoda and the 12-km stretch from Pelawatta to Colombo Fort along the existing highway corridors. The metro rail system is proposed to be completed in 2010.

source: http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=7305

So now im confused..., first they said it was underground, now they say its overhead and built with the help of Delhi Metro at $920 million, instead of the 22x$ 100 million one built and funded by The consortium consists of Siemens of Germany; OPUS of Malaysians NEB Infrastructure India and UTI bank India. OPUS Malaysia.

I hope the second one is true (the one with the consortium )

Does Colombo already not have a light rail system?

^^^ I wish. Discussions of building a metro dates back to before i was born i think :P

I hope the second one is true (the one with the consortium )

Im sure it is... I think the DMRC one is an older proposal unless they are building or talking about two systems. :)

Im sure it is... I think the DMRC one is an older proposal unless they are building or talking about two systems. :)

THe DMRC news was published yesterday. Still I a mconfused. In anotyher article E Sreedharan the father of Delhi Metro had said Colomb ois unsuitable for underground railway. Notsure why, probably soil condition/proximity to the sea ?

I found this article written in 2003:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/13/new16.html

So that could mean that this is old news.

no as i'm informed it is a elevated MRT something like in Bangkok not a subway like in Delhi.

Well, Atleast we are getting that.. lets hope it works out

I personally prefer the elevated MRT can see the city, less expensive and will take the gov. less time to do.

The proposed Metro railway system for Colombo suburbs is underway with a consortium of three companies conducting feasibility studies on this project.

The consortium consists of Siemens of Germany, OPUS of Malaysians NEB Infrastructure India and UTI Bank India. OPUS Malaysia, which is managing the Malaysian MRT, is expected to manage the Colombo Metro while Siemens of Germany would provide the trains. The consortium is now conducting studies on the three proposed routes for the Colombo Metro.

The initial discussion for this project was held last year with the Board of Investment (BOI) and subsequently approval was granted for it. The studies are expected to be completed by June next year. The entire funding for the project would come from foreign investors.

An official of the BOI stated that the Metro would initially consist of 22km and would be built on the center meridian on the main road. This would minimise land acquisition which is a major problem in many infrastructure development projects. The cost of each km is expected to be around US$ 100 million.

The main Metro station would be located at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Fort. The Metro would run from this location to Ratmalana and Battaramulla. The second stage of the project would stretch to the Colombo International Airport via Peliyagoda. The introduction of the Colombo Metro would reduce travelling time to Colombo by almost 70%. With more people traveling in the Metro, it is expected that the traffic in Colombo will reduce.

http://www.boi.lk/boi2005/view.asp?NewsID=3021&CatID=1

Looks like it is indeed an overhead railway.

Does Colombo already not have a light rail system?

Not a light rail system but a lightweight rail system.. that is put to heavyweight use. :lol:

It is interesting that an overhead LTR is being proposed for Colombo that too along the road medians.

While it has advantages over an underground metro it can also pose a problem if not properly planned and integrated with the rest of the transportation network.

The main advantage being cost effectiveness. Investing heavily on an underground system could be benificial if it is going to be put to heavy use. However I don't think Colombo can afford that amount of pphpd ( people per hour per direction ) compared to Delhi to afford such investments in an underground metro. So if we split the cost by the number ofpassengers Colombo passenger might have to end up paying a lot more. While with LTR ( overhead or ground level ) the cost is a lot lesser and perhaps can be run on a profit. There could also be some engineering problems given Colombos proximity to the sea, soil condition etc.

But there are some drawbacks with LTR too that too when it is gonig to be overhead for a majority part of its route.

Capacity agains't length of the train. If an overhead LTR is to have 4 carriages it means there need to be stations built overhead that are four carriages long.. that too overheead on top of roads ?? Knowing Colombo roads I think this will be a problem. So does it mean shorter trains and higher frequency ? That could be a better option, but then again it is something for the planners to think about.

The shadow it is going to cause. It will virtually mean putting the entire Galle Rd under a tunnel. Monorials offer a narrower path but light rails, wel they take up almost the same space as regular trains. And one track each in either direction ? I hope these trains will have automatic doors so that the gap betwee nthe platforms can be narowed down, and thereby the widt hof the overhead column.

But one of the biggest hurdles weil be, there can be not much alterations with road planning if overhed LTR is built. Meaning no flyovers for certain anywhere that crosses the railpath. This means the LTR plannes must cordinate wel lwit hthe roads authority before building these non-removable concerete structures right across the city.

Lets see whats in store, when a more detailed plan comes out.

However atleast this is a project that is much easier to construct than a subway. However it would have to be high above ground level otherwise it would spoil buildings.

Bangkok has one of these overhead thingys.... seems to work quite well.

Granted that it is easier than an underground one, I too was thinking about how this network is going to be properly integrated with the Road Network, (Like fusionist said, Flyovers),
and of course the aesthetics. Eg- Who wants to bet that all the columns of the LTR is going to be covered with posters, banners, graffiti even before its opened to public ? That is going to be an eyesore.

In the case of an Overhead Railway system, I would have prefered the monorail, (like in KL IIRC)

Well atleast it must have some highways

All i can see here, is proposed ones, or just contruction work. Would love to see the current/existing highways, even if they are not motorways.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/262/roador8.jpg

That's the Dematagoda Fly-Over on Baseline road ins't it.

Hehe, the lights are on already.

Oh yeah, love to ride on Baseline road reminds me of Singapore.

ADB Grants US$ 210 Million Loan

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) entered into a loan agreement for US$ 210 million for the improvement of the national highways (US$ 150 million) and provision of drinking water and sanitation facilities (US$ 60 million) in the North Central, North Central, North-Eastern and Southern Provinces.

The US$150 million sector loan provided to the National Highways will be used for widening and upgrading 350 kilometers of selected roads. This includes improving and replacing of bridges, drainage culverts and providing weights stations. Furthermore, the project will also support the land acquisition and resettlement activities for main roads linking to Colombo.
The State is contributing US$ 58 million to meet the project’s total estimated cost of US$ 208 million and the project will be executed and implemented by the Ministry of Highways and the Road Development Authority (RDA) respectively. The project is scheduled to reach completion by 2010.

The proceeds of supplementary loan of US$ 60 million of the Secondary Towns and Rural Community based water supply and sanitation will be utilized for providing drinking water and sanitation facilities for people in Batticaloa, Muttur, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota as well as selected areas in the North Central and North Eastern Provinces, This project will be carried out by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS & DB) and will be completed by 2010.

Source - BOI

Awesome, but actually the roads in colombo district are worse than outstation roads take Highlevel road from Homagama to Avissawella you can easily ride a smooth 80-100 km/h over a long period of time...

True, But most of the roads in the core colombo area is awsome, and in the outer suburban areas too, the main roads are in good condition, and the smaller roads are also being rebuilt now, eg - the road my house is in :)

Ya but galle road in colombo is in really bad condition, e.g. holes etc.

Sri Lanka govt extends Colombo-Matara Highway to Weerawila

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 13:10 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Dec 20, Colombo: The Colombo-Matara express highway, one of the key infrastructure projects of the Sri Lankan government, will be running up to Weerawila, where Sri Lanka's proposed second international airport is being built.

This highway project, which is also known as the southern Lanka express highway, will be 126 kilometers long and its construction work has already begun. The government plans to extend the highway by another 100 kilometers.

The first phase of the construction work from Matara to Kurundugaha Hethepma is underway. The second phase of the construction is from Kurundugaha Hethepma to Kottawa.

The Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency are providing financial assistance for the express highway project, which will be completed by the year 2010. Some 1300 families have been moved because of this project. Of these, 550 families have been provided with new land to build their houses.

Titled deeds were handed over to 180 lands recipients at a ceremony held at the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo yesterday under the patronage of Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

Sri Lanka govt extends Colombo-Matara Highway to Weerawila

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 13:10 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Dec 20, Colombo: The Colombo-Matara express highway, one of the key infrastructure projects of the Sri Lankan government, will be running up to Weerawila, where Sri Lanka's proposed second international airport is being built.

This highway project, which is also known as the southern Lanka express highway, will be 126 kilometers long and its construction work has already begun. The government plans to extend the highway by another 100 kilometers.

The first phase of the construction work from Matara to Kurundugaha Hethepma is underway. The second phase of the construction is from Kurundugaha Hethepma to Kottawa.

The Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency are providing financial assistance for the express highway project, which will be completed by the year 2010. Some 1300 families have been moved because of this project. Of these, 550 families have been provided with new land to build their houses.

Titled deeds were handed over to 180 lands recipients at a ceremony held at the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo yesterday under the patronage of Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.


Thats brilliant news. But can the country afford this?

Titled deeds were handed over to 180 lands recipients at a ceremony held at the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo yesterday under the patronage of Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle


Does this mean the land for the extension/whole project has been aquired? I heard and read that the current path for the the Southern Highway has seen delay after delay following enviromentalists complaining about nothing and court orders by land owners/farmers ect. Many projects have had many a foundation stone layed yet many obstacles prevent them reaching completion.

You have any website stating this?

You have any website stating this?

Phil, the link is:

http://www.colombopage.com/archive/December20131031CH.html

Ooh.. I knew i forgot something. Well thanks Amal (although i did include the source :D

THx guys this is gr8 news...

does anyone have updates on the Airport-Colombo highway?

does anyone have updates on the Airport-Colombo highway?

Rs. 40 bn to for highway network
Wednesday, January 10,2007

COLOMBO: The Government will spend approximately Rs. 40 billion for the improvement of the country's highway network, which includes bridges, flyovers and the Marine Drive this year, General Manager of the Road Development Authority R. M. R. Premasiri said. The programme is funded through foreign aid.

The main focus of the programme will be the construction of the Southern Highway expected to be completed by 2010 while resuming work on the Colombo-Katunayaka highway. Construction of the Colombo-Kandy highway too will commence this year. The Marine Drive which parallels Galle Face will be extended to Kollupitiya, he said.

The programme envisages the improvement of the national road network covering 11,600 kms. while continuing rehabilitation work.

Construction of bridges in Manampitiya, Katugastota, Bentota and Kinniya will be implemented with funds allocated in the budget amounting to Rs. 2 billion. Over 50 bridges are being rehabilitated. Many fly overs will also be constructed and completed this year.

According to the GM several major roads including Gampola-Nuwara Eliya, Nagoda-Agalawatta, Nawalapitiya-Ginigathhena, several roads in Hambantota, Habarana-Kantale, Bandarawela-Haliela, Matara-Wellawaya-Karathivu, Galle-Deniyaya and Kurunagala-Katugastota will be developed during this year.

Rohan

wow, thats good especiallz the marine drive extension to Colpetty is good. will ease traffic on Galle Road a lot. Expressways I hope will also be completed...

I have some Confusing and also some sad news. :bash:

Confusing one first -

French company submits proposal to construct highway from Sri Lanka capital to airport
Saturday, February 3, 2007, 13:52 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Feb 02, Colombo: A French company has submitted a proposal to the Sri Lankan government to construct an expressway from Colombo to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

The government is now studying the proposal, in which the company proposes to construct the road with its own funds, sources at the Ministry of Highways said.

The 28-kilometre expressway is expected to ease the journey from the country’s international airport to the capital city and vise versa. Currently, it takes more than an hour with traffic jams on the Colombo-Negombo road.

China earlier agreed to assist Sri Lanka to construct an expressway but the project did not materialise due to problems with funding conditions.

So does this mean the construction of the current one is halted ? or is it also going to be built ? or are they going to scrap it and build an entirely new one ?

Now the annoying and sad one -

Expansion of Sri Lanka's first expressway delayed
Saturday, February 3, 2007, 13:58 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Feb 02, Colombo: Sources at the Ministry of Highways say the construction of Sri Lanka's first expressway will not be finished by 2009, as earlier expected.

The reason for the delay is legal proceedings initiated by dwellers around the construction sites who say they have been affected health-wise and environmental-wise due to construction activities such as the exploding of rocks.

The expressway, from Kottawa in Colombo’s suburbs to Matara more than 100 kilometres away, was first constructed as a four lane track and now the government has decided to develop it into six lanes. The expressway has 11 entry and exit points.

Seriously what is our country coming to ? I'm guessing more money is spent on these law suits and compensations than the construction costs ! People do need to learn to endure some crap for a while for the good of the country

So does this mean the construction of the current one is halted ? or is it also going to be built ? or are they going to scrap it and build an entirely new one ?



Looks like these guyz will take over the construction. Dunno though...

Sri Lanka: Colombo Katunayake Expressway to take off
Thu, 2007-02-22 01:24
Sunil C. Perera - Reporting from Colombo

Colombo, 22 February, (Asiantribune.com): France's giant conglomerate , Vinci, the integrated concession construction group, specialized in financing, designing, building and operation of major infrastructure projects all over the world, have signed a Contractual Framework Agreement CFA) the Ministry of Highways of the Government of Sri Lanka to commence construction activities of the Colombo Katunayake Expressway in May 2007....

Continued here:
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/4636

Vinci Fiscal info for 2006

Net income Template: Lose € 7.312 billion (2006) , they run on huge financial crise, that's why Vinci accepted this contract for $ 260 mil
Any way good for us!

Wow at last its off the ground, and what was the previous cost estimate ? 260 mil sounds cheap !

I just want an expressway, that is smooth, eases traffic and makes trip at 120 km/h a normal day to day activity...

and ppl should follow the lanes!

True That. As we all know Sri Lankans are great at making a 3 lane road a 5-6 lane one but thats plain annoying and needs to stop.

It's all well and good building roads (and I think building these are more important than LTR or metro/subway), but we need to reeducate drivers and be stricter on road rules. Should have a proper licensing system for auto drivers, require existing drivers to reach new driving standards and also more stringent driving tests for new drivers! We need a generational change in our attitude to driving or else building roads will be pointless!

On that note, we need to get rid of the red-tape in building our infrastructure - both by politicians/bureaucrats, junior management, and the unions (banning them would be a good idea). We then need to get Malaysia or China or South Korea to build our roads... the fee will come from tolls for the next 25 years. Sri Lanka can't afford to build these by ourselves... we need outside expertise.

Very but that is already being done, Sri Lankans are not going to build the expressways by themselves, however when it comes to normal roads I think Sri Lankan are quite good take most of the A-Class road the Baseline and Negombo Road, the skill is their but it is difficult to rehabilitate roads without causing damaging circumstances for people in cities and towns. For example the galle road in colombo has been freshly carpeted on same parts where as it is not maintained on other parts due to heavy commution disturbing construction...

Well IMO the problems limiting or lengthening our road development are -

1. Land Acquiring laws - for a 1 km stretch of a road, i would expect about 5-8 or more lawsuits.

2. Bureaucracy - Normal, routine stuff

3. Governments changing before the roads are completed and the new one doesn't want to continue that construction.

4. Lastly but not the least, Lack of Funds and the lack of a proper map integrating the developments


And why was the Galle Road made a Uni-flow in some parts. Rather annoying, and i don't mind roads like the Thurstan road being a one way...

120km per hour ! That means that the jorney from Colombo to Galle will take only 2 hrs ?

yes, it would if the road would be completed and in use what a difference to before...

2 hours would put Galle about 240km away from Colombo, so 1 hour would be a good estimate

Yeah, i was actually refering to Weerawila, the end of the expressway which would be about 240-260 km away from Colombo...

True that, I love the far south areas (so quite and empty with nice beaches..) but getting there takes all the love away, Still, it would have been cooler if the expressway was built along the coast and not far inland, but heck we haven't even got one expressway, so we can't be choosers just yet.

The construction of the much awaited Colombo-Katunayake express highway would commence in May this year. The first phase would be completed in 24 months.

The construction would be undertaken by one of the world’s leading companies, Vinchi Construction of France which is an over 100-year-old company and has simpler on going projects in over 80 countries.

One of the unique features of this express highway is that it would be Sri Lanka’s first public road which charges a toll (fee). In addition it would also be one of the few projects which would be entirely funded through private financing.

Sources said that the total cost for the project would be US $ 200 million and the Sri Lankan Government would not have to pay a single cent until the construction is completed.

The finances would be from private enterprise banks in Malaysia, Belgium, Netherlands and France. The lead bank for the project would be Hong Kong Bank.

Sources said that the fact that the private banks are financing this project gives a clear indication that there is investor confidence in Sri Lanka.
http://i17.tinypic.com/315d1cp.jpg
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/03/12/fin03.asp

will it only be four lanes wide? that seems a bit stupid as there is little room for growth....

This is an existing one, i think it would be four lanes at the 1st stage & it would expand on the 2nd phase!

That might be a part of the existing katunayake-colombo main road, so nothing to worry, and to think of how long this project had being dragged on for.

Yeah, i think we are not in the state to be picky lets just be thankful that the project is off the ground and i think all the highways that are built in 4 lane have provision for 6 lanes. Southern highway however will be made 6 lanes from the start due to heavy traffic volumes between Colombo-Kalutara-Galle- Matara and new traffic between Matara and Weerawila.

I hope it gets finished!

http://i12.tinypic.com/2n81o1u.gif
The world’s largest construction company, Vinci Construction Grands Projects SAS (Vinci) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Road Development Authority (RDA) last year and subsequently submitted the technical proposal on February 15, which was accepted by the RDA on March 20 to launch work on the Colombo- Katunayake Expressway (CKE) .

“This is a US$ 200 million project scheduled to commence mid this year and would be completed in 36 months,” Vinci- Sri Lanka Coordinator Shriani Rambukwella said.

She said HSBC was mandated as Lead Arranger for the project. HSBC worked with several banks and export credit agencies to bring in a competitive funding structure.

The structure took into account the construction period and brought in extended grace periods and longer tenors to match the repayments of the loans with the expected toll revenues, she said.

Rambukwella said the Sri Lankan Government would not have to begin repayments, until the project is completed and opened for traffic.

Vinci have begun discussions with leading construction companies and other service providers, as they are keen to use the maximum of local resources.

Vinci Construction have designed and built, some of the largest projects in the world, which include the tunnel between the UK and France, the longest bridge in Portugal/Europe, airports, dams and is the world leader in building and managing expressways.

She said just two months ago, they were awarded the 368 kms project of highways in Greece.

“The vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to place infrastructure projects on a high priority, is now a reality, with this and other major projects taking off ground,” Rambukwella said.

She said that Vinci Group was impressed by the speed at which the administration process in the relevant Ministry and agencies has progressed and the vision of the Minister of Highways Jeyaraj Fernandopulle in encouraging public/private partnership in road development.

Vinci Grands Projects have also been nominated to undertake the Matara-Weerawila Feasibility Report, which is expected to be funded by the French Government and is scheduled to commence shortly.
http://i13.tinypic.com/4e08ydd.jpg
Vinci Coordinator, Shriani Rambukwella

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/03/23/fin01.asp
.............................................................................................................................
But there is nothing on the Vinci web site regarding this project!

^^^

Hasn't it started yet? All i see are promises of company x building in y amount of time for z amount of money.

:S

^^^

Hasn't it started yet? All i see are promises of company x building in y amount of time for z amount of money.

:S

Thats very true, thats why I didn't bother to comment. I will only believe this unti someone posts pictures of roadwork in progress.

There would not be any pictures of progress since most of the time access to the site will be limited... so we'll have to trust newspaper reports :lol:

you are right, I am a non-believer when it comes to transportation infrastructure development in SL.. and it showed :lol:

However these news report are so far and few I wonder why. Diygama stadium, no media updates.. Hambantota port, no update, Weerawila airport no media update, Col-Hambantota highway, very few updates if any. I think SL ( especially the govt. sector ) still hasn't awoken to the importance of keeping people informed of whats happening. Why not release the renders of the proposed stadium or the airport ?? why don't they do these ?? It will create more public interest in the project, which is good for publicity. UDA etc need to get their PR act right.

What is the Diyagama stadium never heard of it?

you are right, I am a non-believer when it comes to transportation infrastructure development in SL.. and it showed :lol:

However these news report are so far and few I wonder why. Diygama stadium, no media updates.. Hambantota port, no update, Weerawila airport no media update, Col-Hambantota highway, very few updates if any. I think SL ( especially the govt. sector ) still hasn't awoken to the importance of keeping people informed of whats happening. Why not release the renders of the proposed stadium or the airport ?? why don't they do these ?? It will create more public interest in the project, which is good for publicity. UDA etc need to get their PR act right.


There was some updates on H.thota port & also weerawila air port!

What is the Diyagama stadium never heard of it?

http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/434. There was a thread for it somewhere, not sure where.

There was some updates on H.thota port & also weerawila air port!

yes I am aware of that. But they are not regular updates. Also where are the renders for the airport ?? it is well past the planning stages and still no renders released ?? If you check out the updates on the Banglaore/Hyderabad airport construction in India, you will know what I mean by better publicity adn media updates.

Even with the highways, there is hardly any photos of them vailable online. It simply shows that people and media simply haven't woken up enough to take interest in urban planning, architecture etc. Lets hope one day SSC Lankans take it upon themselves to take photos and kickstart the trend :D

Well, once I tried to take some photos of the Havelock City construction but the Police dudes at a nearby check post chased me away.

you are right, I am a non-believer when it comes to transportation infrastructure development in SL.. and it showed :lol:

However these news report are so far and few I wonder why. Diygama stadium, no media updates.. Hambantota port, no update, Weerawila airport no media update, Col-Hambantota highway, very few updates if any. I think SL ( especially the govt. sector ) still hasn't awoken to the importance of keeping people informed of whats happening. Why not release the renders of the proposed stadium or the airport ?? why don't they do these ?? It will create more public interest in the project, which is good for publicity. UDA etc need to get their PR act right.

http://i14.tinypic.com/29ehrf7.jpgPresident Mahinda Rajapksa inspects thecontruction site of "Mahinda Rajapksa International Sport Complex" at Homagama on 22nd February, 2007. Ministers Gamini Lokuge, Dinesh Gunawardane and Mr. Gamini Thilakasiri also in the picture
......................................................................................................

I heard that they gonna build the largest conference hall in H.tota with cost of $35mil, I think it's just waste of money coz there is no return on investment in a place like that wot so ever until all the project are completed but none of them off the ground yet!

yeah, they have to make all projects reality for H'tota to have a purpose for a facility like this...

well no use havin a conference hall all the way there rite? i mean who do u think is gonna hve conferences down there when its jus wayyyy easier to keep it in colombo??? i think mahinda is doing too much of a job trying to develop his hometown!!!!!!!!!

That would be good, spreading development but the Southern Expressway upto Weerawila, the airport and port in the distrcit need to be completed and running in order to make Hambanthota a reasonable venue for a conferenmce amd exhibition hall like this...

Hello, I am looking fro any new developments about this great tender
with the illumination of the highways with SON/T Solar Street lights.

Any replies are welcome !

B/R
RLX1000

Greater Colombo urban transport development project

The Cabinet has granted its approval to a Memorandum submitted by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister of Finance and Planning to enter into a loan agreement with the Japan Bank for international Cooperation of the Government of Japan in a sum of Japanese Yen 21,917 million. The loan is repayable in 30 years, inclusive of a grace period of 10 years and carries an interest rate of 1.5 percent per annum. In addition, a service charge of 0.1 percent will be levied on all disbursements made under the loan. The funds will be used to construct the 12 Km road section from Kottawa to Kaduwela of the Outer Circular Highway (OCH) which will connect the Southern Expressway at Kottawa and Colombo- Katunaya Expressway at Kerawalapitiya. This expressway will be a four lane road which can be widened up to six-lanes in the future. It is also expected to develop three townships in Makumbura, Kaduwela and Kadawatha areas with necessary infrastructure facilities such as roads, water and electricity to facilitate the relocation of families and to achieve the maximum benefits from the project.

http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2042&Itemid=51
Thanks to Fusionist for linking to this in Colombo Megapolis thread, but I thought this section will fit in here.

And about the street lighting, actually I've not seen anything about it recently

Thx for a first reply,
but since one year the RDA of the Western province looks for
a solution with 9 or 12 high poles, the required quotation shall be min. 50000 units.
The problem is the technic, because they want power with solar energy for a
high voltage Sodium illumination without any inverter.

B/R
RLX1000

Ah, I'm rather stumped by the question, so you'll be better off with contacting RDA.

And

Sri Lankan highway project eyed by Malaysia's MTD (http://lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=2001999552&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7)


April 12, 2007 (LBO) – MTD Construction Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian construction firm that bought a Sri Lankan listed company last week, is eyeing a big highway construction project planned in the island, an official said.

The company is already in "advanced talks" with the government on building the Kandy-Colombo highway, said Asanga Seneviratne, from Asia Capital, the investment house which did last week's takeover deal, told LBO.

"MTD is planning on getting involved in the many infrastructure projects in the pipeline. They are looking at highway projects and have got the government contract to build 50,000 homes for public servants."

MTD Construction, a firm listed on the second board of the Malaysian stock exchange, paid 125 million rupees for Kapila Heavy Equipment, a dormant construction firm, with main shareholders, the Fonseka family, selling out.

MTD Construction is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTD Capital, a big construction group.

It has experience in building highways and bridges, and their maintenance. It has won contracts in India, the Philippines, and Australia.

The proposed Kandy-Colombo highway is one of several multi-lane highway projects planned by the government to connect different parts of the island to take the load off its creaking road network.

The government was looking to develop it as a toll-road at one time.

Kapila Heavy Equipment is a dormant asset-rich company owning prime land in Colombo's up-market Kollupitiya area through its control of owners of Walker Sons & Company.

MTD Construction Bhd paid 24.50 rupees per share for 5,169,155 shares amounting to 90.4 percent of Kapila Heavy.

The company has since made an offer to buyout other shareholders at the same price, according to Sri Lankan stock exchange requirements.

The total cost of the acquisition, including the mandatory offer, is expected to be about 159 million rupees.


So this does mean that Kandy-Colombo Highway is on the way..:banana:

Good Positive news, would like to see models and specifications soon...

Did anyone see the Article on the Outer Circle Highway on Lankadeepa yesterday ? Rather Interesting. And RDA site has the Bid Documents online. It gives some more specifications too.

http://www.rda.gov.lk/och/pqpres.pdf

http://www.rda.gov.lk/och/pqdoc.pdf

It is supposed to be finished in 6 years.

Good news finally getting specifications but 6 years for 12 km is shocking but atleast if we get a highway i'd be glad...

No, for the whole 28km = 6 years. for 12 years it was 4 years. But the STDP will be completed before this.

and what happend with the inquiry about the Solar Street lighting systems.....

Does anyone have pictures of the new highways? Especially the ones near the Colombo airport??

they are still yet to start construction after being stopped!!!

**very old photos I know.. still some photos to keep the enthusiasm going..:nuts:

Southern Expressway

http://www.sweroad.se/html/bilder/T10.jpg

http://www.sweroad.se/html/bilder/T11.jpg

http://www.sweroad.se/html/bilder/T12.jpg

http://www.sweroad.se/html/bilder/T5.jpg

http://www.sweroad.se/html/bilder/T9.jpg

copyright : www.sweroad.se

Does anyone have pictures of the new highways? Especially the ones near the Colombo airport??

works on that freeway would commence end of may soon after hambantota port Inauguration:)

May 15, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority (RDA) is considering building an elevated or underground road to connect the fast growing Malabe suburb with Colombo city.
Road Development Authority (RDA) chairman M.B.S. Fernando also said they are in talks with foreign firms to build two new expressways.

The RDA has signed an agreement with a Malaysian construction firm to do a free feasibility study for a new road from the residential suburb of Malabe to near the old parliament building in Galle Face, Colombo.

"If the project is found to be feasible they will propose a package with a long-term loan at a reasonable interest rate," Fernando told LBO.

"We need a new road because of the congestion being experienced on the existing road (to the new parliament in Sri Jayawardenepura). It will either be underground or elevated on pillars."

The new road's trace would follow the existing six-lane highway to the new parliament roundabout and land may have to be acquired on either side of the road from there onwards to Malabe.

Fernando also said the RDA was in talks on two other highway projects – one connecting Colombo to the international airport in Katunayake and the other to the hill country capital Kandy.

The RDA has accepted financial and technical proposals from a Malaysian-French consortium for the Colombo-Katunayake highway.

The project could cost around 190 million dollars and the promoters are seeking to raise funds from foreign banks, Fernando said.

The RDA has also signed a memorandum of understanding with another Malaysian firm, MTD Construction Sdn Bhd, for a feasibility study for the Kandy highway.

MTD Construction, a firm listed on the second board of the Malaysian stock exchange, bought control of Kapila Heavy Equipment last month for 125 million rupees.

MTD Construction is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian conglomerate MTD Capital, a big construction group.

It has extensive experience in building highways and bridges, and their maintenance, and has won contracts in India, the Philippines, and Australia

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=833990670&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7

Insanity ? Can we afford it ? I don't think so, they should focus on getting an high speed link to the airport online and finish the southern expressways and upgrade/repair the current road system before building UNDERGROUND ROADS !

Airport Freeway is on the track with Vinci, Investment is the only obstacle, but HSBC came up for the flagship investment! but his recent comment on traffic reduction was so pathetic!

ya i thought too...it was lameee!!!!! makes him look like he doesnt know anything about what he's doing!! if i recall right...he said the current road network SHOULD NOT be improved since it will lead to people buying more cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! isnt that pathetic or what!!!!

absurd, in polite words...

COLOMBO: The Government has decided to pay Rs.37 million worth compensation for 50 people who will lose their lands with the commencement of construction of the outer circular road of Colombo. The ceremony will take place today. Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle will be the chief guest.

The estimated cost for the road is Rs.3300 million while the distance is 28km. Ministry Coordinator Sarath Manamendra told the Daily News that the Ministry will call for tenders this year expecting to complete construction by 2011.

He said this is the third stage of paying compensation. It has already paid Rs.400 million for 300 people. The outer circular road has three stages Kottawa to Kaduwela, Kaduwela to Kadawatha and Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya.

The construction will begin by connecting to the Colombo-Katunayake highway. The Southern highway too will be connected to the circular road. The maximum speed would be 80km.

This alternative will also benefit people by saving fuel and minimising traffic jams. "We expect to pay another Rs.600 million as compensation and construction will follow immediately," he said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/06/19/news29.asp

This project should go ahead coz the ministry already has received the funds!

Lets keep our fingers crossed...

Sunil C. Perera , Reporting from Colombo

The French conglomerate, Vinci Construction began preparations for the Colombo Katunayaka Expressway Project by opening their temporary office at the Colombo Hilton early this month.

The contsruction of the long awaited Colombo Katunayake Expressway will begin in September this year, when conditions for dredging of sand will be possible after the rainy season. Already, mobilization for the Project has commenced.

In the Asian region,VINCI has its regional offices in Vietnam.Malaysia and China. Even though VINCI and their partners have been involved in the Energy & Power sector in the Sub-Continent, the Colombo - Katunayake Expressway Project, will be their first road construction project in which they are the World Leaders.
http://www.thecolombotimes.com/

Good sign isn't it?

^^^

Better late than never :D

I agree...

Asia Capital to figure in Government's major infrastructure projects

COLLABORATION: Asia Capital Limited (ACL), a Sri Lankan independent, integrated investment bank, will participate in Government's major infrastructure projects with MTD Capital, under its new management, sources said.

The company which was earlier under Sena Yaddehige's management before the divestiture of his majority stake, has forwarded a project proposal for the resumption of the construction work on the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway on a Build-Operation-Transfer basis for a 30-year period, ACL Chief Executive Officer, Asanga Seneviratne said.

Further, the company is also involved in many large-scale infrastructure projects, including oil exploration, power and energy, construction of houses for Government servants as well. Seneviratne also said that with the management change two Malaysian businessmen, namely Azlim Bin Khaleed and Data Tiong, have purchased stakes of Asia Capital at 28 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.

A leading oil exploration company, Malaysia Offshore Workers of Malaysia is one of the eight companies that have bidded for oil exploration in Sri Lanka. Azlim Bin Khaleed is involved in this oil exploration company, he said.

Asia Capital Limited, a Limited Liability company will appoint their new Chairman Harsha Amarasekera next week, he said.

The company is also engaged in the equity brokerage real estate sector through operations in insurance underwriting, commodities broking, software development and apparel manufacturing.

The Company's corporate finance division provides specialist skills and capital through financial markets to enable local companies to meet their capital-raising objective.

Asia Capital Limited focuses on capital injection into unlisted companies; provision of specialist corporate finance and restructuring services for mezzanine finance and turnaround opportunities; advising on application of methods of value creation and recognition of unlisted companies; the formulation of capital structure; project feasibilities and evaluations of direct investments, and advise on turnaround management and management buyouts.

The company also provides related legal and financial services.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/07/06/fin01.asp

Ok, interesting...

I found some really interesting media on STDP. Some of it might be outdated (2006ish) But hey.. at last we get to see some pictures.

This PDF is dated 31st August 2006 I think but it contains loads of pictures of the highway construction. Really Interesting and a must see.
http://www.fabm.gov.lk/downloads/stdp.pdf

Halcrow Group Site is supervising the construction of the southern half of the highway, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank. And They have some pictures and... wait for it... A VIDEO !

http://www.halcrow.com/html/proj_popup/sri_lanka_highway.htm

For More Convenience Click Here for the Video (http://www.halcrow.com/html/media/mov/sri_lanka.htm)

I found some really interesting media on STDP. Some of it might be outdated (2006ish) But hey.. at last we get to see some pictures.

This PDF is dated 31st August 2006 I think but it contains loads of pictures of the highway construction. Really Interesting and a must see.
http://www.fabm.gov.lk/downloads/stdp.pdf

Halcrow Group Site is supervising the construction of the southern half of the highway, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank. And They have some pictures and... wait for it... A VIDEO !

http://www.halcrow.com/html/proj_popup/sri_lanka_highway.htm

For More Convenience Click Here for the Video (http://www.halcrow.com/html/media/mov/sri_lanka.htm)
Cool^^

i though the highway was gonna be elevated??? looks like a normal one aint it??

i though the highway was gonna be elevated??? looks like a normal one aint it??

elevated:nuts: Ohh no way,it would cost a fortune!

thanks for the video and pics sj. Great find !!

i though the highway was gonna be elevated??? looks like a normal one aint it??

128 km of elevated highway ? that would be madness.

i heard some part of it was elevated?? true??

Great find!

i heard some part of it was elevated?? true??

Yep, but not all long:)

Is there any up to date news about this project?

July 09, Colombo: Sri Lanka Minister of Highways and Highways Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said that the government has allocated Rs. 11.37 billion for eight entry roads connected to the Southern highway now being constructed from Matara to Colombo.

A sum of Rs. 400 million has been estimated for the four kilometer Matara - Akuressa road.

Another Rs. 400 million has been allocated for the 14 kilometer Hikkaduwa - Southern Highway entry road.

The estimate for the 10.5 kilometer Aluthgama - Southern Highway entry road is Rs. 3.9 billion.

The 2.6 kilometer Neboda - Southern Highway entry road will cost Rs. 80 million.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/July9165757SL.html

"Another Rs. 400 million has been allocated for the 14 kilometer Hikkaduwa - Southern Highway entry road.

The estimate for the 10.5 kilometer Aluthgama - Southern Highway entry road is Rs. 3.9 billion."

Huh ? Thats like 10 times more for a road 3.5 km shorter.. But weren't the entry road costs included in the total expressway cost ?

Who the hell knows! This is an SL project, money budgetted for a project has a tendency to disappear.

^^ or poor press as usual. Sleepy underpaid reporter gets a typo and forgets to correct it :D

Haha

I dont think that there would be any kickback in this flagship project coz ADB overlooking the progress:nuts:

I dont think that there would be any kickback in this flagship project coz ADB overlooking the progress:nuts:

Erm what a pleasent thought...
Anyway the last i heared about this was that there was a problem in that the Gov wernt willing to compenste landowners at market rates for the compulsery purchase of their land.
Consequently there was a legal battle ensuing.The project had been held up - indefinately - till this became resolved.Delays causing cost over runs as outlined on page 12 of the PDF
Can someone confirm that this has been sorted?
& that an agreement has been made & therefore that building is actually taking place?
Also there was some engineering probs.In laymans terms , the geology in some places had been mistakenly estimated & was compressing under the weight of the aggrigates.I met an - female !! - engineer who was working on the proiject who explained this to me.She also comfirmed that she knew not of a date when work would resume.
This was ualso unresolved when I last heared.
Ites

What you also have is GREEDY people trying to make as much money as possible sometimes. It happened with the port strike (the country is at war and these moronos decided strike right then to force the government to meet their demands), it happened with the tsumani houses (where the new houses which were given free to the homeless were then sold off by the new owners at 100x the price of the house) and now its happening with many other projects. The government desperate to get things off the ground to improve the lives of the people -while having "failed state" being slapped on it- is now facing these dirty greedy people, both in politicans and ordinary folk, whoare trying to make as much as capital as they can.

However i accept that there are some genuine cases as well.

So is the highway project still on, or is it totally dead?

uly 11, Colombo: Sri Lanka government has planned to finish the surveys and takeover of land for the Godagama Special Economic Zone before the end of this month. The construction of building is to commence in March next year.

The Minister of Investment Promotion Naveen Dissanayake said at a progression analysis meeting held recently that a housing scheme would also be established to resettle the displaced people.

The proposed Godagama Special Economic Zone is located in the Matara district close to the main entry point of the Southern Expressway from Colombo to Matara. The Economic Zone will be spread in 235.5 hectares and 133.7 hectares are to be taken over within this month.
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/July1182139SL.html


Which means it's on:lol:

They should change the law to enable them to take over the land before announcing the project publicly. Less Fuss, less expenses and faster progress.

They should change the law to enable them to take over the land before announcing the project publicly. Less Fuss, less expenses and faster progress.

They were trying to amend the law, dono wht happened, early land allocation is the prob, early days it wasn't planned well!

COLOMBO: The Government has decided to expand the Southern Expressway being constructed from Colombo to Matara to a super highway with four lanes.

Accordingly, two new lanes will be added to the expressway which was originally designed as a two-lane drive running from Kottawa in the Colombo district to Godagama in the Matara district.

“The decision to increase the number of lanes was taken by the Cabinet Sub Committee overseeing the project. The donors have agreed to bear the additional cost of the expansion,” Highways Ministry Secretary S. Amarasekere told the Daily News.

He said the cost of the additional two lanes will be borne by the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) for the road section Kottawa to Kurundugahahetapma while the extra funds for the work up to Galle will be provided by the Asian Development Bank.

Amarasekere said they were negotiating with the Korean Government for assistance to construct the two additional lanes from Galle to Godagama.

“Presently, we have completed nearly 40 per cent of the work on the expressway. But in terms of the new design, this would only amount to around 25 per cent,” he added.

The Colombo-Matara expressway which is 131 kilometres is the longest proposed expressway in Sri Lanka. It is expected to cut down travel time from Colombo to Matara from three hours to 90 minute.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/07/26/news17.asp

This is getting absurd... just complete the damned road would ya ?!! After that two more lanes could be added while the other lanes are in operation right ?

COLOMBO: The Government has decided to expand the Southern Expressway being constructed from Colombo to Matara to a super highway with four lanes.

Accordingly, two new lanes will be added to the expressway which was originally designed as a two-lane drive running from Kottawa in the Colombo district to Godagama in the Matara district.

“The decision to increase the number of lanes was taken by the Cabinet Sub Committee overseeing the project. The donors have agreed to bear the additional cost of the expansion,” Highways Ministry Secretary S. Amarasekere told the Daily News.

He said the cost of the additional two lanes will be borne by the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) for the road section Kottawa to Kurundugahahetapma while the extra funds for the work up to Galle will be provided by the Asian Development Bank.

Amarasekere said they were negotiating with the Korean Government for assistance to construct the two additional lanes from Galle to Godagama.

“Presently, we have completed nearly 40 per cent of the work on the expressway. But in terms of the new design, this would only amount to around 25 per cent,” he added.

The Colombo-Matara expressway which is 131 kilometres is the longest proposed expressway in Sri Lanka. It is expected to cut down travel time from Colombo to Matara from three hours to 90 minute.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/07/26/news17.asp

I thought they planned do this ages ago.

Now by "two lane/four lane" do they mean that Northwards and Southwards will have 4 lanes each, aka in total 8 lanes?

Because if they were orginally planning to make a "highway" with only 2 lanes in total that would be most pathetic highway ever.

This is getting absurd... just complete the damned road would ya ?!! After that two more lanes could be added while the other lanes are in operation right ?


Thats very difficult. Why they didn't plan to have 4 lanes in the first place is just nuts.

I thought they planned do this ages ago.

Now by "two lane/four lane" do they mean that Northwards and Southwards will have 4 lanes each, aka in total 8 lanes?

Because if they were orginally planning to make a "highway" with only 2 lanes in total that would be most pathetic highway ever.

Yes a one lane each is absurd. I think they mean 2 lanes each way total 4 lanes.I think an 8 lane highway anywhere in SL is superfluous except perhaps Colmbo ring roads. However I would have wished they leave provision for a third lane for expansion purpose and had build bridges and aquired land acordingly.

Its difficult to expand a highway with more lanes once its already built.

Have to take into mind lighting and emergency phones (assuming this highway has that), exit and entry points etc etc

Who planned this highway? Why no forward thinking?

Its difficult to expand a highway with more lanes once its already built.

Have to take into mind lighting and emergency phones (assuming this highway has that), exit and entry points etc etc

Who planned this highway? Why no forward thinking?

Nop, some parts already have designed for 6 & 4 lanes with in the city & other other busy intersections. Now they are in provision to drag it for full length from Kottawa to Kurundugahahetapma, of course no one would built 4 & 6 lanes in village areas where u would not get any traffic in the 1st place:)

Nop, some parts already have designed for 6 & 4 lanes with in the city & other other busy intersections. Now they are in provision to drag it for full length from Kottawa to Kurundugahahetapma, of course no one would built 4 & 6 lanes in village areas where u would not get any traffic in the 1st place:)


Well thats cool!! Not to doubt you or anything, but where did you hear this?! :cheers: But there are 6 lanes in some areas? Nice.

And my point is that if this is a major "super highway" it needs to be 6 lanes or so in total the whole stretch, keeping in mind traffic which would be moving in both directions from Matara to Colombo etc.

Are there hardshoulders also planned, for breakdowns etc or am i asking for to much :D

RDA in new road network combine

By Deepal Warnakulasuriya

I know, it is the same problem you face every morning. The traffic jam which delays your reporting to your office on time. Now, there is no need to worry as the government has made arrangements to make your journey a pleasant one with new roads, expressways, bridges and fly-overs.

Can you believe there will be a fly-over taking you across from Malabe junction to the Galle Face. You by now must have used the fly-overs along Baseline road or the one at Ragama. But, the Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman B. S. F. Fernando says that a Malaysian company is working on a feasibility study on the construction of the Malabe-Galle Face fly-over.

Kottawa-Matara Expressway (Southern Expressway) which was initially planned for a distance of 126 kms, in three stages is now on its final stage. A 5km road with direct access to the Galle Port is attached to the master plan. Kottawa to Kurundugaha Hatapma road comes in four lanes with financial assistance of the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). From Dodangoda to Kurundugaha Hatapma section was initially planned to be a two lane one, but with future requirements in mind, has been altered to four lanes.

Kurundugaha Hatapma to Matara section is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Almost all the lands which are necessary to complete the project have been acquired and compensations have been paid already, said RDA Chairman Fernando. "We have also paid 25 per cent more to those who had vacated the lands before the given date. In addition they were also given resettlement packages to overcome transit expenses. "We have also arranged to reimburse their income sources for a period of three years. The tenants were also provided with all the facilities", added Fernando.

The proposed Colombo-Kandy Highway is another one which will be a new road entirely which runs for over a stretch of 98 kms. A Malaysian investor will fund the road constructions from Colombo to Ambepussa. The government has to raise the funds for the balance from Ambepussa to Kandy. The investor has also agreed to pay compensation to the displaced on an agreement after settling his capital from the toll money, to be collected from road users for a period of 20 years.

Colombo-Katunayake Express way is another road development project to be administered by the RDA. The construction work of the 25.6 kms long road commenced 10 years ago, but due to several inexplicable reasons, it took a snail's pace. The Korean company had completed the soil improvement process. The second contractor for the project also failed in obtaining his loan and gave up. Now, a French company has come forward and are to complete the project at a cost of US$ 25 million. Their technical proposal had been approved already. RDA Chairman said that the project would begin in September as soon as the finance aspect is cleared.

Another giant RDA project is the 153 Kms long Katunayake-Anuradhapura road which will run through Padeniya. Arrangements have been made to re-construct 200 kms long Anuradhapura-Jaffna Highway. The officials have also made arrangements to build an Outer Circular Highway (OCH) of 28 kms which connects abovementioned four highways.

The OCH is proposed to commence at Kerawalapitiya, proceed through Kadawatha, Kaduwela to meet the Southern Expressway at Kottawa. The aim is to provide a major orbit road to connect the major roads.

The OCH is a four-lane access controlled highway with provision for expansion upto six lanes. It will also have fencing, frontage to major highways, inter changes to connect major highways and expressways, underpasses and overpasses for smooth traffic flow along these roads.

According to the RDA Chairman they have already set about to extend the Baseline Road, which runs from Peliyagoda to Kirulapone, with another 8 kms to Ratmalana. Fernando added that the Baseline extension to Ratmalana will be a brand new road.

In addition to these mega projects, the RDA has also engaged in rehabilitation of existing national highways all over the island. Plans have been made to rehabilitate 305 km road from Matara to Karathivu via Wellawaya, Siyambalanduwa and Ampara. The cost has been estimated at Rs. 6225 million and project will be completed by the end of next year in four stages.

'Sunday Observer' was also told that RDA plans in the Eastern Province are moving at a slow pace awaiting military clearance. Arrangements are being made to rehabilitate the Eastern coastline, Akkaraipattu to Pothuvil-Panama road on a priority basis, for which the agreement will be signed next month.

Another giant development project in the offing is the Batticaloa-Trincomalee road including building four new bridges replacing the ferry services at Verugal, Muttur, Gangei and Kinniya. Over 70 per cent of the US$ 100 million project is already completed, Mr. Fernando said. Everything is ready. Tenders will be called for, to reconstruct the Trincomalee- Pulmoddai road, a distance of 55 kms. Three new bridges will come up at Irakkandy, Pudawaikattu and Yan Oya with financial assistance from the Spanish Government.A sum of Rs. 1 billion has been estimated to rebuild 300-meter-long Arugam Bay bridge which was damaged by the tsunami in December 2004, is on and final construction work by December 2008.

The construction work of the Manampitiya Bridge is due to be completed at a cost of Rs. one billion. While the work is due to begin to construct the Talaimannar bridge by September, in the Eastern coastal line bridges at Komari, Kotta Kallar in nearing completion.

The words travel time, traffic congestion, costs in delays and fuel wastage will not be heard in the future, when all these roads are completed.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/07/29/fea06.asp
There were some pictures in the paper but not on the net.. but nothing exciting..

heard all this talk soo much!!! why dont they forget the talk and do something!!!!!

I agree, but just imagine the great positive effects that the implementation of all these projects would for Sri Lanka especially if all the mentioned projects would be completed within 5 years from now... We can only hope for the best and have to take the Island's road infrastructure as it is...

ERM International, an international environment certificate awarding body working for international banks last Friday granted environmental approval for the proposed Colombo Katunayake expressway.
http://i11.tinypic.com/630vxbr.jpg
In an exclusive interview to the Daily News Business Vinci Corporation France, Director for India and Sri Lanka, Michel Olivers, said this would enable them to raise finances from international export credit agencies for the project.

The total cost for the project would be US$ 200 million and it would be raised from private lending enterprises in Malaysia, Belgium, Netherlands and France.

He said that this environmental approval was something that their financiers were waiting for and he was confident that credit would be released by next month.

“We are confident that we could start construction by the end of the year,” he said. The first phase is to be completed in 24 months.

One of the unique features of this project is that the Sri Lankan Government would not have to pay a cent until construction is complete. This is also Sri Lanka’s first public road, which charges a toll.

Vinci construction of France, the largest construction firm in the world, and a company over 100 years old, has on going projects in over 80 countries.

This is the first major project that Vinci Construction of France is involved in Sri Lanka.

“We are happy to work in the country and have not faced any uncalled for red tape so far,” he said.

“I also met the Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and high officials of the Ministry of Highways and is happy with their response,” he said.

‘Even in France we have to go through two or three ministries when obtaining, approval for a project on this nature and it is the same in Sri Lanka too.

The Expressway would also be an encouragement for more investments, as it was one of the key infrastructure tools that were needed for the country.

The highway would be of 25.8 kilometres with five bypasses. It would have four lanes and in some places it would have six lanes.

“The biggest advantage of the project is that it would take less than half an hour to reach the Colombo International Airport from the new Kelani Bridge which is the starting point of the highway.

Asked what the company would do with regard to the existing constructions he said that they would build on it.

Financial news (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/08/29/bus01.asp)

End of the year awesome lets hope it finally works out... What is stage 1 exactly and the other stages, specifications please...

Sun, 9 September 2007 10:23:34
LBO >> Industries
Ready Mix
08 September 2007 15:40:21
Sri Lanka cement firm eyes road building market


Sept 07, 2007 (LBO) – Tokyo Cement Company says it is positioning itself to supply the southern highway project and Sri Lanka's southern market by setting up a ready mix supply centre in Aluthgama at a cost of 100 million rupees.


The company, which operates a cement making plant in Cod Bay, Trincomalee, in a joint venture with Japan's Mitsui Mining Company Ltd and St. Anthony's group of Sri Lanka, told shareholders in its 2007 annual report that the planned road projects would offer a good market for its products.

But it warned that the government would have to implement the road projects if they were not to suffer the same fate as some previous ambitious infrastructure projects which are yet to start.

The firms was planning to spend 325 million rupees for a bagging and packing plant.

The company said that the year saw the expansion of the group's "highly profitable and growing ready mix business segment."

It now has four locations – Colombo, Katugastota, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee – from which ready mix is supplied.

"To service the southern highway mega project as well as the growing southern market, plans are underway to set up a ready mix supply centre in Aluthgama," Tokyo Cement said. This is expected to cost 100 million rupees.

Tokyo Cement is also looking for new locations around island to expand the ready mix business.

The government has initiated several major road projects.

These include building expressways covering 600 km, projects for upgrading selected national highways, rehabilitation of roads in tsunami and conflict affected areas, as well as rehabilitation of 600 km of provincial roads and 20,000 km of rural roads.

"These coupled with the policy of facilitating greater house building and new commercial ventures augur well for the construction and cement industries," the company said.

"However, such ambitious infrastructure development projects in the past have suffered the fate of lack of swift implementation, something which we are confident the government is aware of and would avoid."

The firm said there was a need for government to treat construction and cement industries as critical sectors for support and to make house building affordable.

"Such a policy push will require the government to make construction material, including cement, affordable rather than using those as the best products for taxation and to boost state revenue."

Tokyo Cement will be commissioning its 10mw bio-mass power plant built at a cost of 14 million dollars by end-2007.

The plant, which uses mostly paddy husk as fuel, qualifies for carbon credits and the excess electricity can be sold to the national grid.


The firm's a new roller mill in Trincomalee is expected to start by October.



http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=1494082997&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=17

KUALA LUMPUR: MTD Capital Bhd (MTD Cap) is in final talks with the Sri Lankan Government on the Colombo-Kandy toll road project, says group managing director Datuk Azmil Khalid.

"The Government wants to expedite the concession agreement so we can start land acquisition and construction. Colombo-Kandy is the vital artery in the Sri Lankan network because they are the first and second city," he said after the company AGM on Friday.

Azmil said the construction of the 100km toll road was estimated to cost about RM2.3bil, of which the first phase amounted to RM1bil and the second RM1.3bil.

Recently, MTD Cap also bought 80% stake in Northern Power Company (Private) Ltd of Sri Lanka.

Azmil said the capital expenditure for the independent power producer was a relatively small sum of US$20mil (RM68mil), but it was good exposure to gain expertise in managing a power plant.

"It's a natural progression for any infrastructure company. We'll be putting up the facilities in two months and the plant should be operational in the next 12 months," he added.

MTD Cap is presently on schedule to deliver the South Luzon Expressway to the Filipino Government by February 2009.

The concession would start contributing positively to the group from fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, he said. Meanwhile, in China, the group is in the midst of fulfilling the pre-conditions including detailed design and financial close to be submitted to the central Chinese Government for the approval to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV).

While MTD Cap has been awarded the Yangshuo-Luzhai Expressway project, an SPV is required under Chinese regulations to hold the concession. MTD Cap will hold 65% of the SPV while a Chinese partner will hold the remaining 35%.

"We hope to complete the setting up by next February," Azmil said.

The toll road concession for Cikarang (Cibutung) to Tanjung Periuk in Indonesia, on the other hand, is still pending the completion of land acquisition by the Indonesian Government.

"We're slightly behind schedule in terms of land delivery. We're cautiously optimistic that this will be settled by the second half of next year," Azmil added.

BIZ (http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/28/business/20070928160804&sec=business)

Not bad news, I hope it really becomes reality...

Sat, 6 October 2007 21:25:48
LBO >> Transport
Super Road
06 October 2007 06:19:04
Sri Lanka asks Malaysian firm for highway proposal


Oct 06, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has asked a Malaysian firm to study the prospects for a highway from the Galle Face area of Colombo to the fast growing suburb of Malabe, PJI Holdings a Kuala Lampur listed firm, has said.



PJI Holdings said it had formed a joint venture with Sithru (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, to carryout a technical and financial feasibility to build a new 4-lane highway in the Sri Lankan capital to run "underground or overhead".

"The Government of Sri Lanka through the Ministry of Highways, Sri Lanka has officially requested Sithru to carry out a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study for the construction of an alternative 4 lane highway facility underground or overhead between Galle Face and Malabe," PJI holdings said.

If the feasibility study is accepted and the government proceeds with the project, the joint venture would get first right of refusal to submit detailed designs for the road and financing plan for consideration by the government.

Sri Lanka has also given an Indian firm the nod to build a light rail system to run from Colombo to Panadura in the West Coast and towards Battaramulla inland.

NEB Rapid Infrastructure of India, a consultancy, brought in SREI Infrastructure Finance to structure and advice on financing. Singapore Land Transport Consortium was to be the technical advisor.

The new consortium would be given a 50-year concession to run MRT system on a build operate transfer (BOT) basis. It is expected to cost around 800 million dollars.

However the project has had false starts with a letter of intent earlier being awarded with Siemens and OPUS international of Malaysia as partners.

Sri Lanka has also been trying to build a toll road between Colombo and the main airport with private partners. The project has also had several false starts.

Sri Lanka government has high expenditure on subsidies and government salaries and has to borrow money from lenders like the Asian Development Bank to build roads.


This year the government is expected to spend around 170 million dollars on a fertilizer subsidy for rice farmers and in the first five months of the year 57 cents out of every tax rupee collected was used to pay the salaries of state workers.



http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=1561385572&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7

Sithru, PJI Highway To Start Project In Sri Lanka Early Next Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- PJI Holdings Bhd and its partner Sithru (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd are expected to start the construction of their US$350 million (RM1.19 billion) highway project in Sri Lanka early next year.

The feasibility study for the 17 km four-lane highway between Galle Face and Malabe will be completed in one and a half months, said Sithru's managing director S. Thirunaalakanda at a press conference on the project Saturday.

PJI and Sithru will each have 50 percent stake in the project.

In an announcement on Bursa Malaysia, PJI said its wholly-owned subsidiary, PJ International Ltd has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Sithru.

It said if the feasibility study is accepted by the Sri Lankan Government, and it decides to go ahead with the project, the first right of refusal will be given to Sithru/PJI JV to submit detailed design for the facility and construction schedule and financing plans for consideration and due approval.

Bernama (http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=288913)

Nice this would really ease congestion in and out of colombo...

Oct 08, 2007 (LBO) – A new elevated highway connecting Colombo's Fort areas with Malabe, a fast developing suburb will cost nearly 40 billion rupees, a Malaysian firm that is charged with studying its feasibility has said.

Meanwhile a senior Sri Lankan official said the priority now was to push through a light rail project for which India's NEB Rapid, a consultancy was given a letter of intent earlier this year.

The light rail would run from Colombo southwards to Panadura along the coast and inland to Battaramulla, which along the road to Malabe.

Sithru (M) Sdn Bhd and PJI Holdings Bhd, two Malaysia firms have just formed a joint venture to develop and submit a feasibility to the Sri Lanka government for the Fort Malabe highway.

Malaysia's The Star newspaper said the Sri Lanka highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was in Kuala Lumpur Saturday to witness the inking of the joint venture deal.

The 17 kilometer highway would cost 350 million US dollars (39.7 billion Sri Lanka rupees) Sithru had told reporters.

The highway is expected to run "overhead as well as underground," PJI Holdings, a listed firm, said earlier in a stock exchange filing in Kuala Lumpur.

“We hope to start the project by early next year,” Sithru Managing Director S. Thiruneelakanda was quoted as saying Saturday by The Star newspaper.

If the feasibility is accepted by the government, the joint venture is expected to be given the first right of refusal to build the highway, PJI has said.

Thiruneelakanda said Sithru and PJI would try to employ Sri Lankan contractors and consultants as much as possible to keep costs down and also because they had more local knowledge.

LBO (http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=663943373&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7)

This is gonna be awesome, elevated toll road & Rail line:banana: :banana:


Australian Report
PJI Holdings Bhd (KLSE:7122) and its partner Sithru (M) Sdn Bhd have jointly won a US$350 million contract to build a 17km highway in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka government recently awarded a letter of intent for the project to Sithru.
ADVERTISEMENT

PJI and Sithru will complete a feasibility study for the four-lane highway between Galle Face and Malabe in Sri Lanka in one and a half months.

They are expected to begin the construction of their US$350 million highway project early next year, Sithru's managing director S. Thirunaalakanda told a news conference on the project Saturday.

PJI and Sithru will each have 50 per cent stake in the project.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia, PJI said its wholly-owned subsidiary, PJ International Ltd, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Sithru.

It said if the feasibility study is accepted by the Sri Lankan Government, and if it decides to go ahead with the project, the first right of refusal will be given to Sithru/PJI JV to submit detailed design for the facility and construction schedule and financing plans for consideration and due approval.

Yahoo.com.au (http://au.news.yahoo.com/071008/3/14met.html)

SEREMBAN-BASED Sithru (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has roped in main board-listed PJI Holdings Bhd to help it build and operate a US$350 million (RM1.19 billion) highway in Sri Lanka.

Sithru had received a Letter of Intent from the Sri Lankan government and expects to be awarded the project properly once it has submitted the feasibility study, according to managing director S. Thiruneelakanda.

If everything goes well, construction is expected early next year.

The feasibility study for the 17 km four-lane highway between Galle Face and Malabe should be completed in one and a half months, Thirunaalakanda told a press conference on the project in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

PJI managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Lee Peng Joo said the company and Sithru would each have 50 per cent stake in the project.

The shareholding structure may change if there is participation from any Sri Lankan parties in the concession.

Sri Lanka Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said foreign companies are allowed to have a 100 per cent interest in highway projects in the country.

"A Malaysian company, MTD Capital, has a 100 per cent stake in a highway project," Jeyaraj said.

Meanwhile, in an announcement on Bursa Malaysia, PJI said if the feasibility study is accepted by the Sri Lankan government, and it decides to go ahead with the project, the first right of refusal will be given to Sithru/PJI JV to submit detailed design for the facility, construction schedule, and financing plans for consideration and due approval.

The potential Sri Lanka project will not be Sithru's first overseas venture, Thiruneelakanda said.

The company has been involved in a US$1 billion (RM3.41 billion) housing project in Ghana with Sumatec Group for the past 30 months.

PJI, meanwhile, has considerable overseas experience with projects in China and Vietnam. In the latter country, the company has teamed up with a Canadian company.

"We have order books of about RM580 million that should keep us busy in the next two years," Lee said.

Business Times (http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Monday/Nation/TIRU.xml/Article/)

Malaysian based civil and infrastructure company MTD Capital Bhd is planning to invest in mega infrastructure projects through Sri Lankan subsidiary companies.

The company currently manages three companies in Sri Lanka, MTD CML Construction Limited and MTD Walkers Investment Public Limited and Asia Capital.

The company is planning to invest in infrastructure projects through those companies i.e. MTD CML Construction and Walkers Investment Limited, MTD Group Managing Director Azmil Khalid said. According to Khalid they are one of the bidders for the Colombo-Katunayake and Colombo-Kandy expressways and plan to get involved in Sri Lanka's infrastructure projects in the future.

MTD Capital has acquired over 90 per cent of Kapila Heavy Equipment Plc shares in June and is in the process of restructuring the company with the incurring heavy losses. It had now changed the name to MTD Walkers Investment Public Limited Company yesterday through an Extraordinary General Meeting.

Khalid said since the MTD Walkers Investment Public limited (formerly Kapila Heavy Equipment) incurred heavily losses they are now in the process of clearing the balance sheet to support core businesses such as engineering, construction and machinery.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/11/13/bus04.asp)

Come on, we need these expressways badly...

By Sarashi Samarasinghe
The Road Development Authority (RDA) yesterday announced a ‘grand plan’ of constructing 20 flyovers in over populated areas in the country at a cost of a staggering Rs. 1 billion for each project.


RDA Chairman M.B.S. Fernando told The Bottom Line yesterday that the project has already got off ground with work on flyovers in Orugodawatte and Nugegoda having already commenced.


“The flyover at Nugegoda is being constructed from Chinese funding, while we are anticipating commencing work on the balance flyovers also from foreign funding,” Fernando noted.


According to the RDA Chairman, flyovers are expected to come up in Dehiwela junction, Stafford Avenue in Kirulapona, Lipton, Colombo Hilton roundabout, Slave Island, Kohuwala, Borella and Weyangoda, apart from Nugegoda and Orugodawatte, for which initial work has already been commenced.


“Once the flyovers come up, the traffic congestion in the country, especially in the city, will see a drastic decrease.

The Kelaniya flyover will be built from British Government assistance and work on the project will commence within the next few months,” he added.

TBL (http://www.thebottomline.lk/2007/11/14/B64.htm)

Omg:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

COLOMBO: The Government has decided to expand the Southern Expressway being constructed from Colombo to Matara to a super highway with four lanes.

Accordingly, two new lanes will be added to the expressway which was originally designed as a two-lane drive running from Kottawa in the Colombo district to Godagama in the Matara district.

“The decision to increase the number of lanes was taken by the Cabinet Sub Committee overseeing the project. The donors have agreed to bear the additional cost of the expansion,” Highways Ministry Secretary S. Amarasekere told the Daily News.

He said the cost of the additional two lanes will be borne by the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) for the road section Kottawa to Kurundugahahetapma while the extra funds for the work up to Galle will be provided by the Asian Development Bank.

Amarasekere said they were negotiating with the Korean Government for assistance to construct the two additional lanes from Galle to Godagama.

“Presently, we have completed nearly 40 per cent of the work on the expressway. But in terms of the new design, this would only amount to around 25 per cent,” he added.

The Colombo-Matara expressway which is 131 kilometres is the longest proposed expressway in Sri Lanka. It is expected to cut down travel time from Colombo to Matara from three hours to 90 minute.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/07/26/news17.asp

Any progress on this?

Sri Lanka’s highway network is to undergo major changes with four flyovers being built at many intersections in Colombo and the suburbs.

Construction work on the flyover at Pannipitiya is nearing completion while work at Orugodawatte and Gampaha level crossings are in progress. Director Planning of the Road Development Authority (RDA) S.M.K.G.G. Bandara told The Sunday Times FT that work on two flyovers at Rajagiriya and Nawala Junctions will commence with foreign funding.

Two flyovers are being designed for Nugegoda junction and Kelaniya level crossing while the work of 13 others is scheduled to start in the near future in accordance with cabinet approval to build a total of 20 flyovers at a cost of Rs 20 billion.

He said the government is seeking funds from China, Iran and the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation to implement this massive infrastructure project.

The first steel flyover at the Kelaniya Thorana Junction is a four lane one due to be completed within six months.

Plans are also afoot to remove the roundabout at Dehiwela junction and advance the traffic lights in the first phase. This would be followed by a two lane fly-over. The road from Devi Balika Vidyalaya to Battaramulla will soon be replaced by a six-lane straight drive.

The construction of bridges will be undertaken using modular bridge components which are cost effective and can be erected in a shorter period. Most of the bridges on national highways which are of dilapidated condition will be replaced under this project, which is scheduled to be completed in four years.

It will be implemented by the RDA and the work has been contracted to Mabey & Johnson Ltd of the UK.

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/071125/FinancialTimes/ft304.html)

Lets wait and see what will happen and just hope for the best...

Rohan MATHES in Kampala, Uganda

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) sessions in Kampala on Saturday, following his meeting with the Indian delegation.

The talks were cordial and focused on the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The Malaysian Premier assured President Rajapaksa of its fullest assistance for the construction of the Colombo-Kandy ‘Super Highway’ project.

They discussed greater investment opportunities available for Malaysians in Sri Lanka and other trade-related matters beneficial to both countries.

Badawi also expressed his satisfaction and gratitude to President Rajapaksa on his opposition to the suspension of Pakistan from the ‘Commonwealth of Nations’, which in his view was a decision taken sans an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the internal matters of that country.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Wong Kan Seng in the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) yesterday in Kampala.

rest.... (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/11/26/news01.asp)

Good now we need some actual work done, not just talks and plans...

i agree srilanka need good rad system,but work is slow

By Sarashi Samarasinghe
The Road Development Authority (RDA) yesterday announced a ‘grand plan’ of constructing 20 flyovers in over populated areas in the country at a cost of a staggering Rs. 1 billion for each project.


RDA Chairman M.B.S. Fernando told The Bottom Line yesterday that the project has already got off ground with work on flyovers in Orugodawatte and Nugegoda having already commenced.


“The flyover at Nugegoda is being constructed from Chinese funding, while we are anticipating commencing work on the balance flyovers also from foreign funding,” Fernando noted.


According to the RDA Chairman, flyovers are expected to come up in Dehiwela junction, Stafford Avenue in Kirulapona, Lipton, Colombo Hilton roundabout, Slave Island, Kohuwala, Borella and Weyangoda, apart from Nugegoda and Orugodawatte, for which initial work has already been commenced.


“Once the flyovers come up, the traffic congestion in the country, especially in the city, will see a drastic decrease.

The Kelaniya flyover will be built from British Government assistance and work on the project will commence within the next few months,” he added.

TBL (http://www.thebottomline.lk/2007/11/14/B64.htm)

Omg:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Hmm, I hope this doesn't mean Sri Lanka is going to reinvent the charmless 60s concrete brutalism as seen in many American cities.

Colombo-Katunayake project rejected thrice due to lack of funds
By Tharindri Rupesinghe

The controversial Colombo-Katunayake Expressway project has been dropped thrice owing to lack of government funds while the construction of the Outer Circular Highway in Colombo city is to start next January, a roads’ specialist said.

Chairman of the Road Development Authority (RDA) M.B.S. Fernando also said there are plans to change the traffic lighting system from a fixed one to a vehicle-activated one with cameras which adjust the lights according to the number of vehicles present. He made these observations during a comprehensive presentation on highways under the theme of “Road Development for Economic Development; Challenges for Sri Lanka” at the Centre for Banking Studies last week.


Of the 98,200 km road network in Sri Lanka, 11,700 km are national highways, which is a little more than 10% of the overall road network while the rest belongs to Provincial Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas. According to Fernando, RDA focuses accessibility and mobility, and the indicator of the former is road density, a factor on which Sri Lanka stands well. However, as for mobility, the indicator is the ease with which a destination can be reached by a motor vehicle, and on this there is a serious problem.

“Among the more obvious reasons for this is the inadequate width of the roads. Only two percent of roads are multiple lanes, or have a width greater than 9m, whereas 36% are single lanes with a width of less than 4m and another 36% are intermediates (widths between 4m and 5.5.m),” he said. A lesser known fact that Fernando highlighted was the problematic “car first” policy that is prevalent. Of the 750, 000 people who enter Colombo city daily from 12 entrance points, buses carry 55% of the passengers, but take up only 15% of road space. On the other hand, dual-purpose vehicles like cars and vans, along with the “tuk-tuks” or three-wheelers carry only 35% of the passenger load, but take up an enormous 65% of road space. “The available space is not used economically,” he said, adding that most cars on average carry only three to four passengers.

As a result of the high volume of traffic and the state of the roads, the number of people killed in road accidents in 2006 was 1044, an alarming number although it is a substantial decrease from 2002’s 2038. What’s interesting are the statistics under the label “damage only”. In 2006, the number was 8,148, approximately 28,000 accidents less than the 36, 862 in 2002. According to Fernando however, this is the result of the mushrooming “on-the-spot” insurance policies, which settle the claims without taking the case to the police. Ironically, officials in the insurance sector have said that they have settled 220,000 such cases. That would be a considerable addition to the numbers.

“What can be done about this is the question everyone is asking. The fastest solution of course would be to increase the number of lanes on existing roads by widening them, which, is not an easy task,” Fernando said.

In the past few years, Sri Lanka has seen mass “ribbon-development”, where the suburban development occurs alongside the roads. Widening the roads therefore, entails the acquisition of private lands and the demolishing of houses, stores etc. Besides this, there is also the building of High-Mobility Links or Expressways and flyovers.

“Funds are as always a problem” Fernando reiterated. Land acquisition requires compensation to the owners, and under a new policy, acquisitions are not done without up-front payments of compensation at a valuation made by the RDA at replacement cost, in addition to the government valuation. “US$ 7,500 million is required within the next 10 years to implement the National Road Master Plan to improve only one third of the national highways.

Even with the existing external commitment of US$ 500 million, there is huge amount of investment required. Also, private sector involvement is at a minimum and when the costs of foreign contractors are added to the equation, the figures are astronomical,” Fernando said.

There are also the environmental implications of building these roads. According to Fernando, in the case of the Southern Expressway (Colombo-Matara), the RDA has been forced, because of increasing protests by residents, to use low-lying areas to build, whereas it is the higher lands that are more compatible. “Clearing the marsh areas is interfering in the eco-system and could lead to problems in the future,” he added.

Fernando admits that “road construction will not solve the problem of congestion or pollution or any of it. The solution requires more intelligence, scope and money.

A Transport Policy like that of Singapore would be ideal,” he said. A participant at the lecture pointed out most roads were closed for security reasons and although petrol prices rise monthly, there is no change in congestion. Added to the melee, the public transport in the country is in an absolutely decrepit condition. (TR)
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/071202/FinancialTimes/ft341.html

Does not look so rosy...

guys what is new progress of colombo-matara express way?

the bridge is real nice, say a pic of it in the daily mirror, it is six-lane...

Thu, 27 December 2007 23:28:52
LBO >> Transport
Bridge Building
26 December 2007 17:11:08
Sri Lanka opens showcase bridge on tsunami anniversary


MATARA, Sri Lanka, Dec 26, 2007 (AFP) - Sri Lanka marked Wednesday the third anniversary of the devastating Asian tsunami by opening a showpiece bridge in the south of the island where 31,000 people died.


President Mahinda Rajapakse formally commissioned the 116-metre (383 feet) bridge across the Nilwala river here in this southern coastal town of Matara 160 kilometers (100 miles).

Rajapakse observed two minutes of silence at 9.25 am, the time when the first giant waves lashed the coastline in a disaster that also displaced a million people on the island.

Rajapakse later followed three school bands across the six-lane bridge, the widest in the country, that was damaged during the tsunami on December 26, 2004. South Korea gifted the seven-million-dollar structure.

Sri Lanka declared the anniversary "national safety" day," said disaster management minister Mahinda Samarasinghe.

The ministry which is tasked with organising post-tsunami reconstruction work announced island-wide ceremonies to create awareness on how to deal with such disasters in the future.

Sri Lanka's post-tsunami reconstruction work has been dogged by graft and renewed fighting that has blocked relief to survivors, with less than a fifth of the money pledged properly accounted for, according to watchdogs.

Foreign aid pledges for rebuilding topped 3.2 billion dollars, but Sri Lanka says it has received only 1.2 billion dollars.

And out of that, 634 million dollars -- less than 20 percent of the original amount pledged -- had been spent by the end of November, according to Transparency International, an international watchdog on corruption.

Sri Lanka's government claims success in rebuilding homes, but international agencies say major problems remain. Huge amounts of foreign cash that poured in did not reach its intended destination.

While the authorities claim they built more houses than required, many people still live in makeshift dwellings for reasons ranging from poor building standards to rebel fighting in areas where the new homes are located.



http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=846411176&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7

http://i17.tinypic.com/89i11jl.jpg
That bridge is beautiful, 6 lanes^^

Interesting development. Is there a six lane road at both ends of the bridge btw ? or is it planned for future ? will this form part of hte Colombo-Matara highway ?

its really beautiful, but look at the light bulbs on the bridge. and no, this forms the main road that runs through matara town, and i think the road has 4 lanes there.

Interesting development. Is there a six lane road at both ends of the bridge btw ? or is it planned for future ? will this form part of hte Colombo-Matara highway ?

It actually has 8 lanes with 2emergency stopping lanes, mostly bicycles use that i reckon:lol:

i would say mostly buses.

it has 6 lanes, 3 per side and 1 lane per side for bikes or whatever, lights are not the mpst beautiful but they look sturdy and strong so there is always something positive in the negative...

i meant the lights are on even at noon

Some new information from the last year :P (I think its new to this forum, but you may have seen it)

Outer Circular Highway-

http://www.mohsl.gov.lk/OCH/OCH_Final_PQ_Document.pdf
(This doc has some interesting information about the project. It is the Pre-Qualification Document for bidders i think dated to 17th april 07)

http://www.mrdev.gov.lk/currentProjects.php
(Upto date progress report of the maga neguma programme)

http://www.rda.gov.lk/projects.pdf
(The Current RDA Projects Progress list)

http://www.rda.gov.lk/photo.htm
And the RDA Photo Album has an index page now, lets hope they will add the actual photos atleast this year.


some photos on rda
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/1.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/2.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/3.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/4.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/5.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/6.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/7.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/8.jpg
http://www.rda.gov.lk/images/9.jpg

nice, is the southern expressway pic current or outdated...is the 3rd pic the new matara bridge, what is the second pic?

I wouldn't count on the pictures being upto date but its better than nothing right ? :-P

I wouldn't count on the pictures being upto date but its better than nothing right ? :-P

Correct buddy:)

nice, is the southern expressway pic current or outdated...is the 3rd pic the new matara bridge, what is the second pic?

I think the bridge shown in the second picture is at Ratnapura over the river call kalugaga .This bridge is situated next to the whole sale market.this was completed in 2003.

Nice bridge...Looks really modern...

Jan 07, Colombo: Sri Lanka Road Development Authority (RDA) announced that the construction of three flyovers in Kelaniya, Nugegoda and Panadura will be commenced this month. The three flyovers are to be built to ease off the prevalent traffic jams at the main entrances to Colombo city.

A four-lane flyover that runs for 600m is to be built at Panadura town. According to RDA sources construction is planned to be completed by July this year. The government has taken a loan worth of $ 20 million form the Great Britain for this project.

Another four-lane flyover is to be built over the railway crossing at Pattiyahandiya, Kelaniya. The flyover which is 400m in length is to be completed by June this year, said the RDA sources. British government has provided another $ 20 mil for this project.

Further, the RDA sources say China has donated Rs.10 billion for the construction of flyover at Nugegoda junction and also to widen the stretch of Kandy road between Kiribathgoda and Kadawatha. Government also plans to erect traffic lights at the Rajagirya junction with the Chinese funds.

CMB (http://www.colombopage.com/)

Nice, a flyover for the nugegoda junction. that oughta ease up some of the horrifying traffic jams in the mornings.

Yep definitely, hope they are all completed on time and are of a good standard...

Does anyone know what the progress is with the Southern Expressway. Think this will make a huge difference, both to trade and tourism. Travelled down to Galle recently and the A2 has improved road markings and relaid so was quicker than before but cant wait for SE. Does this road link in with the Colombo outer circular?

Southern Expressway is currently in its mid-final phases,i think and so it will take awhile to become operational and the decision to add extra lanes to the e'way would cause an increase in the construction time.

And yeah, i agree with you that STDP would make a positive impact on the southern parts of the country. Also although the new galle road was renovated it still has only 2 lanes for the most parts so SE will cut the travelling times dramatically.

Also, i believe that the southern expressway is linked to the OCH at one end. I really want to see some progress on the OCH, it has been silent for too long.

Construction work on the flyover across the Peliyagoda rail crossing on the Colombo-Kandy road began yesterday. To facilitate the construction work traffic from Colombo to Kandy and back will be allowed on two lanes only until this work is completed, said Police headquarters in a communique issued yesterday.

The communique said alternative routes have been arranged for vehicles leaving and proceeding to Colombo to enable motorists to avoid any inconvenience caused as a result of this arrangement. No parking of vehicles would be allowed on these alternative routes and this arrangement will continue until the fly over is completed.

Alternative routes for vehicles proceeding from Kandy to Colombo.

1. (i) Belummahara junction-Weliweriya, Udupila, Bellakapapu junction and Kaduwela Bridge to enter Colombo.

(ii) From the same route branch off through Bandarawatta junction and proceed along Kelaniya temple road and Peliyagoda roundabout to enter Colombo.

2. Kiribathgoda L.P. Perera junction, R.S. Perera Mawatha, Waragoda Road, Kelaniya temple, Biyagama Road and Peliyagoda roundabout.

3. Tyre Corporation junction, Old Kandy road, Nungamugoda junction, Kelaniya temple, Biyagama road, Pethiyagoda and Peliyagoda roundabout to enter Colombo.

4. Kiribathgoda Junction, Makola road, Sapugaskanda through 230 bus route, Nagahamula junction, Biyagama road towards Kaduwela bridge or Peliyagoda to enter Colombo.

5. Thorana junction, Waragoda road, Kelaniya temple, Biyagama road to Peliyagoda roundabout.

Alternative routes for vehicles proceeding from Colombo to Kandy.

1. Peliyagoda roundabout, Nawaloka roundabout, Negombo road, Old Negombo road, Hunupitiya road and through Kiribathgoda to Kandy road.

2. Peliyagoda roundabout, Nawaloka roundabout, Negombo road, Wattala Old Negombo road, Hunupitiya railway cross road, Jayanthi Mahal junction, Dalupitiya road, Mahara junction to Kandy road.

3. Peliyagoda roundabout, Nawaloka roundabout, Negombo road, Wattala Mahabage junction, Ragama and Kadawatha to Kandy road.

Vehicles will be allowed along a single direction on the following roads temporarily: 1. Hunupitiya junction along Awariwatta road to Negombo road.

Vehicles will not be allowed to proceed towards Negombo road along Hunupitiya junction, Wattala Courts road and Hendala junction.

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
Way to commence the year^^

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/15/news27.asp)

yeah, i saw the information sheet asking the drivers to take alternate routes. Good news that one is off the ground. Now if they only started the nugegoda one.

The Ministry of Highways and Road Development together with the Road Development Authority has commenced construction of a fly-over across the railway line near Vidyalankara Pirivena in Kelaniya. This fly-over would cost Rs. 2 billion.

The General Manager of the Road Development Authority, R.W.R. Premasiri said the construction activities officially commenced yesterday. The fly-over will be 600 metres long and it will be 14 metres in width. "The construction is expected to ensure smooth transport on the Colombo-Kandy highway at all times and would eliminate traffic delays due to the closure of the rail-gate," said Premasiri.

"This will be a major project of the RDA for 2008," he said. The construction is carried out with funds from the Government of Britain, who will also oversee its progress, he said.

The RDA plans to complete construction of the fly-over by the end of June, 2008. Explaining how the RDA would carry out the construction , Premasiri said, "Two lanes will be closed for traffic and two lanes will be opened for the use of transport near the construction site."

"We regret the inconveniences caused to the public as a result of this. We request them to use alternate routes during the phase of construction," he said.

Colombo bound traffic may use Route Number 1 and travel from Dalugama Junction via R.S. Perera Mawatha, Nungamugoda Road, Waragoda Road, Biyagama Road, Peliyagoda Roundabout and Baseline Junction. They may use route Number 2, from the Tyre Corporation, 3 from Thorana Junction and proceed via Nungamugoda Road to Waragoda, Biyagama and Peliyagoda Roundabout to Baseline Junction.

Route Number 4 is from Belummahara Junction-Weliweriya-Biyagama-Kaduwela-Battaramulla-Rajagiriya-Borella, Route 5 from Belummahara Junction-Weliweriya, Biyagama-Kaduwela, Battaramulla-Rajagiriya-Borella and route from Kiribathgoda-Makola Road-Sapugaskanda-Bollegala-Biyagama Road to Baseline Junction.

Traffic going towards Kandy are requested to use the Peliyagoda Roundabout-Nawaloka Roundabout-Negombo Road-Averiwatta Road, Hunupitiya Road-Kiribathgoda and Mahara.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/16/news14.asp)

Bellakapapu junction ??? :nuts: Is that a real place???? :lol:



1. (i) Belummahara junction-Weliweriya, Udupila, Bellakapapu junction and Kaduwela Bridge to enter Colombo.


DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/15/news27.asp)

Bellakapapu junction ??? :nuts: Is that a real place???? :lol:

:nuts::nuts::nuts::lol::lol:

Nice project anyway, i like the oversee by Government of Britain...

Well, we do need the aid to improve infrastructure but I though Britain cut aid to us a while back due to the 'situation'.

KUALA LUMPUR: MTD Capital Bhd is confident of securing the RM2.2bil Colombo-Kandy toll road project.

Talks with the Sri Lankan government were in the final stages and the company hoped the project would be awarded by the end of the first quarter, group executive chairman Datuk Nik Hussain Abdul Rahman said after the MTD ACPI Engineering Bhd EGM yesterday.

MTD ACPI is a subsidiary of MTD Capital.

The EGM approved the proposed private placement of 9.5 million shares to Lembaga Tabung Haji that would increase MTD ACPI's paid-up capital to RM231.6mil from RM222.1mil.

The exercise will raise up to RM19.5mil for the group's working capital.

“The extra capital would be utilised to fund on-going business,” Nik Hussain said.

The star (http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/31/business/20181999&sec=business)

WOO ! Great News. And they are the same people who are doing the expressway from Galle Face to Battaramulla(?) or somewhere right ?

n/m

WOO ! Great News. And they are the same people who are doing the expressway from Galle Face to Battaramulla(?) or somewhere right ?

Which, the proposed underground or overground expressway?

Southern Expressway segment to be completed

Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Highways and Road Development, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, for the construction and completion of the Southern Expressway from Kurundugaha Sathapma to Godagama in Matara by 2010, obtaining the labour of local contractors. The National Contractors’ Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) has agreed to comply with the request.

www.news.lk

How many memos are needed for one single project ? And phil, yeah, thats what i was thinking about.

Here's a video about the Southern Highway project.

http://www.halcrow.com/html/media/flash/sri_lanka.htm

Yeah, it was posted earlier too. if you want the higher quality one, i have it on youtube
http://youtube.com/watch?v=a4bY2OzB0vU.

And they are the same people who are doing the expressway from Galle Face to Battaramulla(?) or somewhere right ?

Different companies. Sithru/PJI joint venture is the consortium looking at doing the Galle Face one. Both these companies and MTD (Kandy expressway) are Malaysian.

Chinese investors are yet again evaluating the possibility of reviving the construction of the Colombo-Katunayake Express way (CKE), connecting the national airport in Katunayake to the city, according to a top Road Development Authority (RDA) official.
“Presently Chinese investors, who were awarded the contract originally, but were unable to obtain bank loans to get the project going, have revisited the country in the hope of starting the project again,” M.B.S. Fernando, Chairman RDA told The Sunday Times FT.

His comments came in the backdrop of another, almost similar (Colombo-Katunayake) highway proposed by the Bank of Ceylon (and reported in this newspaper on January 20) which has attracted Indian, Malaysian and some European contractors.

Fernando said he was unaware of the new project. He explained that in China, the system is a company needs to have a contract for a certain project in order to obtain funding for that project. “This contract needs to be presented to the bank as an offer document in order to obtain the loan. The Chinese party was unable to get the required US$ 200 million from the Chinese government initially, but now they are doing some studies on the CKE,” Fernando added.

He said their studies revolve around trying to reduce the cost of the CKE. “They may reduce interchanges and may reduce the width of the road in order to decrease the costing to a ‘bearable amount’, but they have not officially communicated anything to us as yet,” he said.

He said that the government received a second proposal about one year ago (before the Chinese party returned) from a French contractor called ‘Vinci Construction’. “They are a large, reputed construction firm in France, who gave a proposed for US$120 million, requesting the government to provide the balance money. But with our expenses of Rs.55 billion on road development for a year, this was not possible,” he added.:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080217/FinancialTimes/ft302.html)

Sri Lanka’s longest tunnel will open in Ramboda, Nuwara-Eliya on Sunday. The tunnel is 225 meters long and was constructed at a cost of US 20 million,

http://i28.tinypic.com/33ncbja.gif
http://i30.tinypic.com/nxt3li.gif

DM (http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmHome.aspx)

SL beautiful high way!!!

http://i31.tinypic.com/oh04rl.jpg

That is a picturesque road / tunnel. Now we have to maintain it. Makes me wanna take a ride from Colombo to Nuwre eliya. :)

That is a picturesque road / tunnel. Now we have to maintain it. Makes me wanna take a ride from Colombo to Nuwre eliya. :)

Yep, same here, love it^^^^

Sri Lanka’s longest tunnel will open in Ramboda, Nuwara-Eliya on Sunday. The tunnel is 225 meters long and was constructed at a cost of US 20 million,

http://i28.tinypic.com/33ncbja.gif
http://i30.tinypic.com/nxt3li.gif

DM (http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmHome.aspx)

SL beautiful high way!!!

http://i31.tinypic.com/oh04rl.jpg

Awesome, love the new road to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy, can't wait to go there again...

Is the tunnel going to cut travel time a lot?

Is the tunnel going to cut travel time a lot?

Dono let u know after April:banana:

...the tunnel looks a bit dangerous to me !

lol, that was my first thought too. Looks too tiny.

At least it looks well lit. The Aniwatte tunnel on the other hand, I bet half the people who go are never seen again. :lol:

lol, i bet those lights won't survive a month. but the road looks really new, thats something.

Sri Lanka’s longest tunnel will open in Ramboda, Nuwara-Eliya on Sunday. The tunnel is 225 meters long and was constructed at a cost of US 20 million,

http://i28.tinypic.com/33ncbja.gif
http://i30.tinypic.com/nxt3li.gif

DM (http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmHome.aspx)

SL beautiful high way!!!

http://i31.tinypic.com/oh04rl.jpg


looks very neat both tunnel and highway..cool pics:)

Feb 28, 2008 (LBO) – Access routes and the road network in Sri Lanka's central hill city of Kandy will get a billion rupee spruce-up ahead of a regional meeting of heads of state scheduled for next year, a senior minister said.

The government was planning to rehabilitate the main access road from Colombo, and resurface roads leading to Citadel Hotel, Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Earls Regency Hotel, Amaya Hills, Topaz Hotel and Kings Park.

Sri Lanka is to host the 15th summit meeting of the South Asian Association of Regional Corporation (SAARC) from July 27 to August 02 in Kandy.

Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority would also rehabilitate a circular road winding around a lake at the centre of Kandy town, construct eight overhead bridges, re-surface the Kandy to Kundasale road, Kandy to Katugastota road, information minister Anura Yapa said.

Highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle has received permission from the cabinet of ministers to invite bids for the project from Maga Engineering, Sierra Construction, Consulting Engineers and Contractors, K D A Weerasinghe, International Construction Consortium and CML Edwards.

The emergency procurement, estimated at around a billion rupees would be restricted to the identified contractors.

"Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority would also rehabilitate a circular road winding around a lake at the centre of Kandy town, construct eight overhead bridges, re-surface the Kandy to Kundasale road, Kandy to Katugastota road, information minister Anura Yapa said."

And they are going to do all that in 1 year ? That is kinda doubtful, but I can wait and see :-P

Sri Lanka Chinese joint venture gets Trincomalee road project


Feb 28, 2008 (LBO) – A joint venture between Sri Lanka's International Construction Consortium (ICC) and China Harbour has a won 2.4 billion rupee deal to build section of the highway leading to a northeast of the island, a senior minister said.

The contract floated by Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority is funded by an Asian Development Bank credit, information minister Anura Yapa said.

The bids closed on March 28, 2007 with ICC-China Harbour bidding 2.4 billion rupees, MAGA-CDIG bidding 2.58 billion and Sino-Hydro Corporation bidding 3.34 billion rupees a document submitted to the island's cabinet of ministers said.

The selected joint venture contractors will upgrade a portion of the Ambepussa to Trincomalee A6 highway from Habarana to Kantalai a document submitted to cabinet by highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said.

The project is part of a 150 million dollar ADB credit to upgrade 280 kilometres of road and acquire 83 kilometres of land for roads in Colombo.

Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority would also rehabilitate a circular road winding around a lake at the centre of Kandy town, construct eight overhead bridges, re-surface the Kandy to Kundasale road, Kandy to Katugastota road, information minister Anura Yapa said.

Re-surface the Kandy-Katugastota road? Haha, they been building that new Katugastota bridge for the last 15 years and it's still not complete. :nuts::nuts:

Wide-ranging plan to reduce pollution and traffic jams

Some 200,000 private vehicles enter the city daily causing heavy air pollution and traffic congestion—and plans to encourage these private vehicle owners to use public transport will be ready within the next three months, an official said yesterday. National Transport Commission Chairman Amal S. Kumarage told The Sunday Times the plans would include the imposition of a toll on private vehicles and the improvement of the public transport service.
Prof. Kumarage

"Electronic road pricing for private vehicles will be one of the most effective ways of discouraging private vehicles from entering the city during day-time. If the toll is high during daytime and less at night, day-time traffic congestion could be reduced significantly," he said.

Prof. Kumarage said that prior to charging a toll on private vehicles entering the city, alternatives would be introduced this year under the Strategic Action Plan for Traffic Management. Imposition of the toll would come into effect at the end of next year after alternative arrangements for those entering the city in private vehicles were fully put into effect, he said.

According to him, the alternative plans include a transport service for private vehicle users entering the city. In terms of this, vehicles, which enter the city, will be parked in a terminal and buses will operate from that point. Dematagoda, Battaramulla and Ratmalana are some of the areas already identified to build bus terminals. Parking spots would be situated close to railway stations and the proposed major bus terminals.

Other measures include:



*A well-designed bus lane in the new one-way system.


* Encourage the movement of heavy goods vehicles during night times and outside peak times

* Premium bus services in Colombo and suburbs


*To develop the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal for long-distance passengers


*Operation of at least two new Multi Modal Terminals and to begin park-and-ride services


*Reorganize urban bus routes (to reduce overlapping routes and to reduce the number of buses terminating within the city centre)

On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the National Transport Commission to implement Strategic Action Plan for Traffic Management within three months and report the progress of initial implementation on June 23.

The court gave this directive after considering a petition in regard to the air pollution in the city. The court told the Transport Ministry, the Urban development Ministry, the Central Environmental Authority, the National Transport Commission and Police to come up with a suitable plan.

More than 225,000 vehicles enter the city on an average working day, carrying 830,000 people. Of the total, around 80,000 commuters use trains. Most of the vehicles entering the city – about 200,00 -- are private vehicles, but they carry only 32 percent of the passengers. The number of buses entering the city is around 10,000 but they carry 68 percent of commuters.

"Private vehicles which carry only 30 percent occupies 80 percent of the road space, causing traffic jam The main objective is to get people out from cars, vans and trishaws and get them attracted to modified public transport and by that reduce private transport. We are in the process of implementing means and ways to reduce the dependency on private vehicles," Prof. Kumarage said. According to him, cost of Congestion is around Rs. 40 billion and fuel cost is around Rs. 150 billion annually.

"At present even if fuel is doubled in price, people have to continue travelling in their private vehicles as they have no proper alternatives. They would not comply with these alternatives if there is no cost advantages and conveniences," he said. "A person travelling in his car would definitely expect what he would enjoy the comforts in his car. Either to read a paper, listen to music and fully air-conditioned and other conveniences. He would not want to stand or come to work in a normal bus transport. So a premium transport service should be provided,” he said.

He said operators should give more thinking on providing 'qualitative distinct service's people mostly use private vehicles in Sri Lanka is because of the of convenience and privacy.

"This is a very sensitive side of transport to handle; the operators should be geared for that as more than the cost it's the quality what is expected" he said adding that many developed countries don't see that best quality public transport is being used even by car owners.

Discussions are being held by the National Transport Commission with trade chambers and the Ministry of Public Administration regarding introducing staggered working hours. Prof. Kumarage said that since 1970s there has not been proper school bus system and the NTC was hoping to re-introduce it. “It would cost only 50 percent less from the normal bus charge. At present there are 330 school bus services. We are hoping to introduce another 200 buses.”

Fact file

Number of vehicles entering the city on a working day: 225,000
Private vehicles entering the Colombo city on a working day: 200,000
Buses entering the Colombo city on a working day: 10,000
Total number of passengers entering: 830,000
Percentage of people using private vehicles: 32%
Percentage of people using public transport (buses+ railway): 68%
Percentage of road space consumed by private vehicles: 80%
Percentage of road space consumed by buses: 20%
Annual congestion cost: Rs. 40 billion
Annual fuel cost: Rs. 150 billion

- Source NTC

Who is going to use public transport with bombs going off, bad facilities and no comfort... These are jsut dream proposals...

Who is going to use public transport with bombs going off, bad facilities and no comfort... These are jsut dream proposals...

Yep, but one thing,,, he has forgotten about public sector:bash::bash:

^^http://i29.tinypic.com/33xelvb.jpg^^:nuts:
going fast

^^http://i29.tinypic.com/33xelvb.jpg^^:nuts:
going fast

Dam this is on fast track, awesome^^^^

Mon, 10 March 2008 19:10:00
LBO >> Transport
Travel Time
10 March 2008 13:59:49
Sri Lanka highway project gets more ADB lending


MANILA, March 10, 2008 (AFP) - The Asian Development Bank said Monday it would double its loan commitment for a major highway project in Sri Lanka to 140 million dollars.

A 90 million-dollar loan approved in 1999 would be supplemented by a second loan to ensure the completion of the Colombo-Matara-Galle highway and widen it to four lanes instead of two, the Manila-based lender said in a statement.

The bank also committed a 300,000-dollar grant to prepare a long-term land use and development plan along the 128-kilometre (79.4-mile) highway.

"Traffic volume between the southern region and Colombo has increased significantly since the project was first approved, and it remains one of the Government's priorities," said ADB environment specialist Dewi Utami.

"The project will greatly reduce travel time and promote easier movement to and from the southern areas to Colombo, which should increase economic activity."

Poor transport links with other parts of the country, in particular with Colombo and the economically dominant western region, have constrained economic development in the south, the bank said.

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation, the Nordic Development Fund, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency are also supporting the project, it added.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=1522677992&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=7

The bank also committed a 300,000-dollar grant to prepare a long-term land use and development plan along the 128-kilometre (79.4-mile) highway.

That's a great idea. :)

Great news, hopefully this will be completed soon, any timescales on this. Will be one of the biggest drivers for economic development along the southwest coast.

http://i31.tinypic.com/122dv75.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/122dv75.jpg

Nice work, keep it up^^^^

I remember seeing August as the construction date. Nice stuff.

Wow they have really pushed on with getting this completed. Great picture.

Miracles do happen...

Miracles do happen...

I am sure Its a reliable company^^^^

http://i31.tinypic.com/122dv75.jpg

fast indeed !

it says on the 14th march edition of lankadeepa that one section of the flyover will be opened on the 25th. and in the accompanying picture it looks quite complete and the road surface is being applied on to it. this is actually really fast considering that it began construction middle of january.

http://i29.tinypic.com/m9axkw.jpg

The fly-over on the Kandy Colombo Road at the Kelaniya railway crossing, one of the major development projects nearing completion is concrete proof that the Government apart from eradicating terrorism, is also engaged in a massive development drive. Work on several similar fly-overs is also under way in the city.

SO (http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/03/16/main_News.asp)