Rs. 342 Billion allocated for expressway development in 2026 budget

The government has allocated Rs. 342,000 million (Rs. 342 billion) in the 2026 budget for the development and completion of the country’s expressway network.

This includes the Central Expressway Phases I and III, the Katugastota–Galagedara Road Section, the Kurunegala–Dambulla Proposed Expressway, and the Ruwanpura Expressway – First Section (Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya).

The economic crisis had previously led to the suspension of several road projects, causing various complications. Measures are now underway to resolve these issues and recommence construction.

Central Expressway – Phase I & III

Financial facilities have been approved for the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of Central Expressway Phase I, which had been on hold. Development work has commenced, with Rs. 66,150 million allocated for 2026.

The Pothuhera–Rambukkana section of Central Expressway Phase III is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027, with Rs. 10,500 million allocated. Construction on the Rambukkana–Galagedara section is proposed to begin using domestic funding, with an allocation of Rs. 20,000 million, combining remaining Road Development Authority provisions and additional budgetary support.

Katugastota–Galagedara & Kandy Roads

Feasibility studies for widening the Katugastota–Galagedara road section are set to start next year. In parallel with the Kandy Multi-Modal Transport Centre, budget provisions have been made to widen and upgrade access roads into Kandy city to reduce traffic congestion.

Kurunegala–Dambulla Expressway

Land acquisition for the Kurunegala–Dambulla Expressway is ongoing, with Rs. 1,000 million allocated to complete the process.

Ruwanpura Expressway (Kahathuduwa–Ingiriya)

The 25-kilometre Kahathuduwa–Ingiriya section faced irregular construction and was suspended due to the economic crisis, creating social, economic, and environmental challenges. The government plans to reassess and improve existing access roads based on a 2018 feasibility study, with Rs. 1,500 million allocated for land acquisition.

Port Access Elevated Highway – Marine Drive Link

To enhance connectivity to Colombo Port and the Port City, and address traffic congestion near Lotus Roundabout, Rs. 330 million has been allocated for a feasibility study to construct a link between the Port City end of the Port Access Elevated Highway and the Marine Drive Extension (Phase II).

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to completing key expressway projects, improving traffic flow, and supporting regional economic development.