Colombo Outer Circular Highway construction starts today

18 February 2012 05:55 am - 39 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Ministry of Highways will commence construction of the second phase of the Colombo Outer Circular Highway at an estimated cost of a staggering Rs.44.8 billion from Kaduwela to Kadawatha today, the Ministry said.

The construction of the road would take place under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who holds the Highways Ministry portfolio.

The construction of the 8.9 kilometre road is the second phase of the three-part road project which is 29.1 kilometres long. The Colombo Outer Circular Highway extends from Kottawa through the Homagama, Kuduwela, Biyagama, Mahara and Wattala divisional secretariat areas up to Kerawalapitiya.

Ministry sources said the Colombo Outer Circular Highway will directly connect to the proposed Colombo-Kandy expressway at Kadawatha as well as the Colombo-Katunayake expressway at Kerawalapitiya.

The first phase of the Colombo Outer Circular Highway from Kottawa to Kaduwela which will be 11 kilometres, is estimated to cost Rs.24.9 billion.

The Colombo Outer-Circular Highway will avoid road traffic congestion and create more convenience for the people travelling outside Colombo city limits as they would use the alternate routes instead, sources said. (Olindhi Jayasundere)

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Comments - 39

F m De Silva Sunday, 19 February 2012 01:59 AM

The Chinese you bet. Perhaps they will be permitted to bring in their workers from China too.

Quo vadi Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan Saturday, 18 February 2012 05:15 PM

More number of expressways means clearing more land,cutting down trees,and ultimatley taking away sri lanka's serene greenery!
i think it would b best to use all the millions in maintaining the roads that are already present rather than contructing new ones.
I think many would agree with me.

Globetrotter Saturday, 18 February 2012 05:44 PM

gon jokes

chandima Saturday, 18 February 2012 06:09 PM

There is land acquisition cost

Asanka Saturday, 18 February 2012 07:24 PM

When are they going to extend R.A De Mel Mawatha to alleviate congestion on Galle Road?

Land Boy Saturday, 18 February 2012 09:43 PM

I think estimates include land acquisition costs also. I Mean, buying out land from owners for making of road. but question in at what year's estimate?

Lasantha Perera Saturday, 18 February 2012 10:34 PM

If you don't know what you are talking about please keep your mouth shut.

Lanka Sunday, 19 February 2012 12:27 AM

Well said. Why can't people accept corruption exists from small to big countries? How many of these negative nuts as call them are loyal citizens to this nation who encourage local products and businesses and pay all their tax and fines?? I believe more than 70% dont.

Kira Sunday, 19 February 2012 01:19 AM

Lot's of money spent on Express way's .To complete the project city of colombo need a face lift

citizen1 Sunday, 19 February 2012 01:56 AM

disgusting waste of money.

Rilwan Razeen Saturday, 18 February 2012 04:45 PM

isn't there something fishy, such a big amount for a small stretch of road ( highway), just cannot believe that is why?

F De Silva Sunday, 19 February 2012 02:08 AM

The Chinese of course. They will be permitted to bring their workers along too.

Quo vadis Sri Lanka?

Ethical Man Sunday, 19 February 2012 03:17 AM

Oh Jesus Rs: 44.8 Billion for 8.9 Km Wonder Of the World.

sanjeeva Sunday, 19 February 2012 03:25 AM

The benifits should be looked at from a long term point of view.

Mark Sunday, 19 February 2012 04:08 AM

Don't be silly #Nodrog...we don't have gold....We have gem stones....It's paved with gem stones.

Makuna Sunday, 19 February 2012 05:19 AM

Build high ways on Innocent civilian,s coffins..... Miracle of Asia

GSK Sunday, 19 February 2012 05:35 AM

How many times this project has be sub contracted.. who does the audit of all expenses... we need a law of "Right to Information"??? please be accountable and transparent in all the public projects ...

kunjan Sunday, 19 February 2012 05:37 AM

reading all above news as well comments from the guys...hai guys u all are correct.

SriLankan Sunday, 19 February 2012 05:49 AM

Don't worry my friend, because, this is Sri Lanka....... :D

john Sunday, 19 February 2012 04:05 PM

wonder of asia

josh Saturday, 18 February 2012 10:42 AM

so this is why they increased the fuel prices... hmmm....

Nodrog Saturday, 18 February 2012 07:34 AM

Thats a whole lot on money just for 8.9km. Is it to be paved with gold?

Hamzie Saturday, 18 February 2012 07:51 AM

Overall construction cost / km is LKR 1.539 Billion.
LKR 1.539 Million / meter.

For Colombo itself LKR 2.26 billion / Km and LKR 2.26 Million / meter.

The above costs clearly indicates the degree of corruption evolved in this budget.

Shanaka Saturday, 18 February 2012 08:58 AM

... And the corrupt get richer ....

steve Saturday, 18 February 2012 08:49 AM

If only one tenth of the amount used for the construction then we are winning!

segu mohideen Saturday, 18 February 2012 09:12 AM

The "Negative" nuts will never appreciate anyone over whatever they do. These negatives are the bad omen for the developmennt of Sri Lanka.

gihan Saturday, 18 February 2012 09:17 AM

1st phase Rs.25M for 11km, 2nd phase Rs.45M for 9km.....2nd phase seems to be running along a very expensive part of colombo called corruption......why aren't these questioned in parliament?

Sam Saturday, 18 February 2012 09:29 AM

Definitely a staggering amount!! Wonder which Company has got the contract.? Chinese I suppose!!

donduminda Saturday, 18 February 2012 10:02 AM

some one showed a highway and said "I earned 20% from that" and another pointed at nothing and said "I earned 100%". So please get away from the old crap people.

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 18 February 2012 10:12 AM

Such projects are of course beneficial by way of commissions to the powers that be but not concessions to the poor who suffer from increasing cost of living.

Imran Hussein Saturday, 18 February 2012 06:16 AM

and Colombo inner circle destruction also started?

Minnal Sri Saturday, 18 February 2012 10:46 AM

What we need now is not highway but a controlled economy with free of corruption.

Szozs Saturday, 18 February 2012 11:03 AM

Cost about 4.5 million per perch of road.

Someone must be filthy rich already.

Bakamuna Saturday, 18 February 2012 11:07 AM

All ROADS lead to corruption....... and lead us to failed state....

sidath Saturday, 18 February 2012 11:11 AM

Second phase of Colombo outer will become the first phase on inner Sri Lanka with another petrol, diesel, kerosene hike........... booming Lanka.....

Sudantha Saturday, 18 February 2012 01:28 PM

look at alternatives like MRT or Metro service would be really beneficial.. Looks good Move ..but the issues is you can build two outer circles by an estimated cost.. :-)

Leslie Saturday, 18 February 2012 01:25 PM

Is this highway really necessary. What percentage of the population would benefit by it. With the unusually high increase in fuel prices all essential services/goods have gone up and/or going up. To increase the salaries the Minister says it has to be referred to the Parliament.
Was the construction of the highway referred to and ratified by the Parliament !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Azi Saturday, 18 February 2012 03:48 PM

to be honest the second phase of the project is completely built on concrete pillars. the whole 9+km is being constructed not on ground. 80+% of the second phase is built on bridge to minimize the cost to acquire land. hope you get your answer.
even though corruption is taking place people are getting a chance to utilize something be greatFUL and just SO FOR YOUR INFORMATION NO OTHER PREVIOUS GOVERNMENTS OF SRILANKA TOOK THIS INITIATIVE.

RAJA Saturday, 18 February 2012 04:33 PM

will you have at least 1% of the massive commissions they are getting

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Colombo Outer Circular Highway construction starts today

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