India-SL road link in the works: Union minister

17 June 2015 03:42 am - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Centre is also looking at connecting India and Sri-Lanka via a sea-bridge following the inauguration of Agartala-Dhaka bus service and signing of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal motor vehicle agreement, Road Transport and Highways Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday.

The road connectivity, built across Palk Strait, could possibly a combination of a sea-bridge and underwater tunnel. The underwater tunnel will also allow movement of ships through it.

"The distance between Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram and the Sri Lankan boundary is about 23 kms. A sea-bridge would help in increasing the trans-SAARC road and transport network," said Gadkari. Dhanushkodi is situated south-east of Pamban town and around 29kms away is Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, the town closest to the Indian land border.

A proposal for providing road and rail link bridging the divide across Palk Strait has been submitted to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), for a pre-feasibility study and subsequent financing. Currently, the missing link of narrow corridor of about 23 kms is serviced through makeshift ferry service transport. "At current estimates, the project would cost us Rs.23,000 crore," Gadkari added. Along with the India -- Sri Lanka road link, the Centre is also looking to connect north-east to Thailand via Mynmar. (DNAIndia)

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Comments - 23

Ravi Wednesday, 17 June 2015 01:44 PM

Call Hanuman to build it again and allow thousands to invade us. Nice idea, perhaps it was MR who sold this to India so he can get re-elected.

Calistus Jayatilleke Thursday, 18 June 2015 04:15 PM

Hooray, plenty of jobs for monkeys to haul stones and build the link road. Kallathonisd can now come walking instead of swimming.

Jer Thursday, 18 June 2015 03:12 PM

BuffaloaCitizen, Your name revealing the real you. Refer history before open your stupid mouth. King Vijeya coming from Sinhabahu, Bhurishrestha Kingdom.

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 18 June 2015 02:38 PM

What is Sri Lanka culture? Everything in our culture is linked to India from Buddhism to Reddai Hettai, String Hoppers to horoscopes etc... In fact, Sinhalese are a product of low caste Dravidian migrants.

Nandanee Thursday, 18 June 2015 12:25 PM

If Sri Lanka is agreeable to this link - PLEASE have immigration facilities at a point in the centre of this link - just like the Bahrain - Saudi Arabian causeway.

madu Thursday, 18 June 2015 12:14 PM

FINE - Now parrippu (Dhal) can be force fed overland , saving the Indian Air Force undertaking Parripu-drops.

ibnu aboo Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:39 PM

Is there any plan by Indian government to extend Tamil Nadu boundary upto north and east Srilanka unordered to manage and solve the issue of fishing in srilanka water

King Kong Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:32 PM

Since Obama is also expected at moment and John Kerry was here with us only 2 months ago, why not make one to USA once and for all !!!!

Ibnuaboo Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:30 PM

Is Indian Govt. Planning to merger Srilanka as its another state in future.

Vish Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:20 PM

imagine if the ltte rises again, nd they take control of this road.they ll be bringing heavy wepons from india in no time

Asrar Ahmed Wednesday, 17 June 2015 05:14 PM

Thank , But No Thanks

jacko Wednesday, 17 June 2015 03:09 PM

Now indian army can drive to jaffna.

lkboy Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:21 AM

Good idea. But ensure proper border controls.

nalaka Wednesday, 17 June 2015 01:26 PM

ohh god all Nadars will be running to this country

p.j.weerasekera Wednesday, 17 June 2015 11:24 AM

we had enough issue in the past having separated by a sea with India and yet matters are not sorted out in the best interest of SL, India is responsible for nurturing and funding terrorism in sri lanka which we suffered more than 30 years. India will benefit more than Sri Lanka, having a such bridge between two countries, and both countries are well known for their corrupt system, hence it creates doubts whether Immigration laws will be strictly adhered. Attraction would be eminent for More Tamil Nadu citizens to find better life over here, in the north of SL. Economic benefit under such circumstances only a dream........

Mason Wednesday, 17 June 2015 11:14 AM

A good idea and is worth the effort. Let it be affordable for the poor to use it as well.

The God Father Wednesday, 17 June 2015 10:42 AM

Though it sounds good initially, it is not a good Idea in the long run as this can open up so many unwanted issues, its much better for sri lanka to be seperated from India as we can continue to maintain our culture and simple way of life, can you imagine some chapathis driving in Sri Lankan roads? Believe me they will mess up everything.

Nims Wednesday, 17 June 2015 10:33 AM

It will not be any use for Sinhalese as long as the TN Politicians and LTTE supporters exist there. Who wants to commit suicide in a shit pit where the inhabitants pee and poo in open air

sach Wednesday, 17 June 2015 10:23 AM

security aspect is more and more important than commercial aspect

ANTON Wednesday, 17 June 2015 10:04 AM

TO EASE THE FLOW OF INDIAN CRAP ??? INCLUDING ALTO .......

motor races Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:57 AM

Hooray Nammal Rajapakse now can have races or safari from Sri Lanka to Bangladesh.

Chryshan K Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:40 AM

This will give Sri Lanka an excellent opportunity for commercial activities. With Free trade agreement in place and no visa will openup a huge clientele for for our products. If this goes through I am sure people will drive upto Thailand no matter how many days it might take.

moday Wednesday, 17 June 2015 09:38 AM

Horray,if you can drive from Singapore to Bankkoh why not to Sri Lanka to Bangladesh.

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India-SL road link in the works: Union minister

Comments - 23

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