New Expressway: Toll charges announced

21 October 2013 12:00 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 104 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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A toll of Rs.300 will be charged from each vehicle, including cars and jeeps, that travels from Peliyagoda to Katunayake on the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway which is scheduled to be officially opened on October 27, the Ministry of Ports and Highways said.

Toll charges will be levied in four categories for all vehicles.

The first category comprises all cars, jeeps, station wagons, double cab pick-up trucks, nine-seater passenger vans, vans and trucks of gross weight 3,500 Kg. and lorries and trucks with two axles and four wheels. These willd be charged Rs 300 each way, while the toll from Peliyagoda to Ja-Ela will be Rs 200 and Ja-Ela to Katunayake also Rs 200.

In the second category: Light motor coaches, including passenger transporting vans with more than nine seats and passenger transporting buses with between nine and thirty three seats will be charged a fee of Rs. 450 from Peliyagoda to Katunayake, Rs. 350 from Peliyagoda to Ja-Ela and Rs. 300 from Ja-Ela to Katunayake.

Heavy vehicles, including buses with more than 33 passenger seats, lorries and trucks with two axles and six wheels and lorries and trucks with three axles will come under the third category, for which the toll charge would be Rs. 600 from Peliyagoda to Katunayake, Rs. 400 from Peliyagoda to Ja-Ela and Rs. 300 from Ja-Ela to Katunayake.

The fourth category, which includes heavy vehicles including heavy motor coaches and heavy motor lorries with four axles will be levied a toll charge of Rs. 800 from Peliyagoda to Katunayake, Rs. 600 from Peliyagoda to Ja-Ela, Rs. 300 from Ja-Ela to Katunayake. (SD & LSP)

Comments - 104

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 21 October 2013 12:19 PM

The Service Charge Is Very Reasonable..This Expressway Looks Fantastic. Proud To Be A Sri Lankan. Thanks To The President.

16 7

HK Monday, 21 October 2013 12:19 PM

Road looks so beautiful but very expensive ! We are poor we can't efford !

3 7

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 21 October 2013 12:20 PM

Wonder Of Asia

5 0

Ralahami Monday, 21 October 2013 12:25 PM

Rs.300/- is too high compared to Southern E/way Rs.400/-. There will be more no. of vehicles in CMB-Katunayake E/way.Try to gain from the volume rather than killing the customer. So pl re-consider this charge.

2 4

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 21 October 2013 12:26 PM

Is There A Minimum Speed Limit.

2 0

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 21 October 2013 12:28 PM

Beautiful Lanka

3 0

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 21 October 2013 12:29 PM

Pearl Of The Indian Ocean

3 0

Suq Madique Monday, 21 October 2013 12:48 PM

Its a welcome step and no one is forced to use it. Typically Lankans always want everything free so if you can't afford then use the normal road.

1 6

Dots Monday, 21 October 2013 12:48 PM

In Dubai a toll gate fee is AED 4 ( LKR 140) whereas There is no duty on vehicle imports ...... but in my motherland Vehicle Duty 300% and toll gate fee is almost 3 times of Dubai .....where all these monies go ?

6 12

Sriyani Monday, 21 October 2013 12:55 PM

You can't have the cake and eat it - Either you pay the levy imposed by the authorities or you could use the old route to go to Katunayake.

0 5

ANTON Monday, 21 October 2013 01:12 PM

YEP.... YOU ARE LUCKY BUT WE ARE UNLUCKY.

0 0

Tharinda Monday, 21 October 2013 01:17 PM

What is the current rate ?

0 1

Monley Joe Monday, 21 October 2013 01:19 PM

Any "Chinese Takeaway Restaurants" on this highway ?

1 0

Dicttator Monday, 21 October 2013 01:33 PM

1 service fee is very high. 300 rupees each way is Rs 600 for a day , who can afford these rates. Do not compare Galle Expree way, only those who wants to go there will use the highway.
Katunayake high way is meant the daily commuters and those going to airport.

By being greedy, I can assure you no one will use the express way from 8 p.m.till 6a.m.the following day instead they will use the old Negombo road which will be almost empty at these times.

There should be a fixed rate from 8 p.m.till 6 am to encourage the motorists tomuse this highway.

Stupid fellows, no brains to think and find a solution for a simple problem

1 2

The Fourth Horseman Monday, 21 October 2013 01:42 PM

Ease up Lucky! Everything the President does is to make money and not to help the poor citizen like me. I am the Reaper and waiting for my chance!!!!

3 2

ලන්කපුත Monday, 21 October 2013 01:45 PM

300 LKR for 20 KM, means 15 lkr per KM, fuel saving busted, time saving busted... I am not going to use this.
from Ja-Ela to Katunayake, it is almost no traffic.. so this is no use for me at all.

2 1

Charlie Monday, 21 October 2013 01:50 PM

You are just boasting. Think about the common man who travel for work daily and the daily commuters.

2 2

Lokkal Monday, 21 October 2013 01:51 PM

Rs. 300 is too much for 26 km stretch. Traditional rout is 31 kms. Hence there is no benefit to the travelor using the highway though he saves a few more minutes. Ideal charge should be Rs. 200.

0 1

The Fourth Horseman Monday, 21 October 2013 01:59 PM

No, not even a Kopi Kade!!!

0 0

raj Monday, 21 October 2013 02:01 PM

You have to thank the foreign government who gave the aid to build this expressway

0 2

LS Monday, 21 October 2013 02:11 PM

I am sure there will be a "Matara Kade" !!!!

0 0

Rujhan Monday, 21 October 2013 02:15 PM

may be it is reasonable for MPs, Diplomats and Rich guys, not for ordinary people who wants to travel to airport to get their flight. This is sucking blood of people, the distance is only 26 Km and maximum it should be only 200. Charge the Luxury Cars/ Prados / Land Rovers not the Vans that take passengers to Airport.

0 0

LS Monday, 21 October 2013 02:16 PM

I think the distance is about 25 km or less from Peliyagoda to K'nayake. It will work out to approx Rs12/= per km or more, which is too high compared to the fee charged on the Southern Expressway.

0 4

Sujeewa Monday, 21 October 2013 02:22 PM

Calculate how much additional petrol you have to pay if you use the existing old road. Its lot cheaper than Rs300. Also, savings on time, mental stress and maintanance of vehicle. Less petrol = less pollution of air too.

6 1

Gayan Monday, 21 October 2013 02:25 PM

They have oil to finance the balance in Dubai, cannot compare the two countries.

3 18

mike Monday, 21 October 2013 02:32 PM

mr. Dots you talking about one toll gate in dubai if you continue that road you may pass nother few toll gates ahead. And if you dont like to use that expressway in sri lanka you have alternate route. Its all about your requirement.

0 5

Narayan Monday, 21 October 2013 02:35 PM

In developing the country. You should understand that unlike other countries, a whooping majority in this country doesn't pay income tax.

0 11

Jayantha Jayamanne Monday, 21 October 2013 02:39 PM

Is this the way, our dam politician earn money. Is this the way other countries earning on High ways. Go to hell, the ordinary rout is enough for us.

3 0

Monkey Joe Monday, 21 October 2013 02:43 PM

Then where are those "poor" Chinese workers are going to eat after finishing the Highway road work ?

0 0

mohamed asfar Monday, 21 October 2013 02:54 PM

people with vehicles can enjoy. let others criticize. god bless motherlanka. big thank you to our dear president.

1 3

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 21 October 2013 03:18 PM

If You Can't Afford The Toll Use The Normal Road. Building Expressways Improves The Quality Of Life. These Are Good Things. Do You Want To Eat Pol Sambol And Rice Everyday In Your Life.

1 5

Fawzan Monday, 21 October 2013 03:35 PM

Why we have to thank President other than you love him? Is he paid the cost out of his pocket? There are many mega projects and most of them proved to be not beneficial for general public E.g Mihin, South Port & 2nd International airport. Thos who get 10% from these projects are really thriving…..300Rs for one way is absurd.

0 3

Asanka Thennakoon Monday, 21 October 2013 03:36 PM

Are you Nuts????

0 1

Asanka Thennakoon Monday, 21 October 2013 03:37 PM

are you kNuts???

0 1

Neutral Monday, 21 October 2013 03:39 PM

These aid is only in the form of Loans. You and I have to pay back. I also think the rates are high. It should be made less and get a larger number to use it. Long distance buses will only use it, if the fee is less than or equal to the fuel cost they save, as they do not worry about the time consumed. They also loose the passengers in between. The idea should be get more vehicles including long distance buses to use it, thereby benefiting a large number on long distance commuters.

0 1

Mahinda Monday, 21 October 2013 03:49 PM

This is crazy. Rates are too high. It should give an opportunity for all to use the highway. There is the normal road as well, but we should not deprive others to use the highway. Far too high. Lower the price and get more vehicles.

1 1

SF Monday, 21 October 2013 03:51 PM

don't comment like a fool

0 1

Mangala Monday, 21 October 2013 04:04 PM

Lucky Weeramantry, seems to be you are a real mantry who are eating from common people. Pol sambol and rice is very healthy food. Do not make yourself nude. Rates are high and Mps, ministers, authorities will use this road by tax payers money. Common people will use normal Negombo road. One thing is good no more moron escorts vehicles of Mps and ministers on Negombo road.

1 1

Sim Monday, 21 October 2013 04:12 PM

How many Sri Lankans can afford to Pay Rs. 300/- A Nano cab will charge about Rs. 1400/- from Colombo to Katunayake and if they use the Highway it will be Rs. 1700/- this is not to help the Sri Lankan expatriates to travel to their homes quickly, but to send easy and quick money to China.

1 1

PRASANNAJIT Monday, 21 October 2013 04:17 PM

Just explain how the quality of life improves.

2 1

Shah Monday, 21 October 2013 04:17 PM

what about the Govnt politician's vehicles,are they exempted from this service charges.

0 0

Dinesh Monday, 21 October 2013 04:18 PM

Lucky thanks the President.....Thank China for building the expressway with Chinese prison labour. Where the money goes to....it goes to China.

0 2

DEEN Monday, 21 October 2013 04:19 PM

FOR SOUTHERN EXPRESS WAY 60 MINUTES RUN, THE CHARGE IS Rs 400. COMPARATIVELY, FOR 20 MINUTES RUN IT SHOULD BE ABOUT Rs 135. HOPE MY CALCULATION IS CORRECT. Rs 400 US DAMN TOO MUCH.

1 0

Romma Monday, 21 October 2013 04:46 PM

Lucky, are you sure your name isn't Lackey? You sure act and talk like one!

2 1

Abiling Monday, 21 October 2013 04:47 PM

Kade Yanawa Wage...

0 0

true lankan Monday, 21 October 2013 04:49 PM

Stupidity at its best! Do these morons in the govt think that they can make a profit by imposing 300 for 24 km? What pathetic losers? I would go for it for Rs 100. Not a cent more. I don't think they've even done a survey before imposing such a levy. I am not blaming them just because I can't afford it, but because anyone will make anything out of that, and eventually it will become a waste of money.

0 0

true lankan Monday, 21 October 2013 05:01 PM

Not being able to afford is not the point man. The point is that it is useless for the mass. If you reduce the levy, that will be good for many. Using highway is not essential for the public. They have some other means. Ok, let me say it in this way. If the service charge is Rs one million, then no one will use it and the profit is zero. If there is no service charge, then again the profit is zero. There is a service charge in between that maximizes the profit. Economists/Statisticians/Mathematicians know how to identify that break even point. Consult them.
Do you know the toll for a freeway in USA? It is probably a few cents. Come out the well and grow up man!

0 1

Bushel Perera Monday, 21 October 2013 05:10 PM

Mm...... Polsambol is now like highway cant afford eat every day

0 0

Roshan WR Monday, 21 October 2013 05:12 PM

Good job Mr President.. No previous govt could do this. Using the old road was a nightmare and a shame for our nation. Now we can be proud. Rs 300 not too much.

2 1

Damien Monday, 21 October 2013 05:13 PM

What a stupid comment. You cannot compare an oil rich country with Sri Lanka! But know this.. In Dubai, a school fee for a kid can be AED 10,000 - 20,000 (Rs.7-8 lakhs) per year but in our Sri Lanka Education is completely free!

1 3

MW Monday, 21 October 2013 05:25 PM

I think Rs.500 should have been ideal, then we don't want to worry about the balance.

0 2

Snowdon Asange Monday, 21 October 2013 05:43 PM

wasnt thanks said in advance by way of MATTALA Airport and the Seaport built b the Chinese....

0 0

Nanga Monday, 21 October 2013 06:07 PM

Why not thank the Chinese for giving the loan and the people of Sri Lanka for paying interest by way of direct and indirect taxes?

0 1

Kalu Nangi Monday, 21 October 2013 06:17 PM

The powerful people of Sri Lanka (u no hoo?) wants to keep this only for the powerful and rich people of Sri Lanka...that's why the price is beyond the pocket of the common man.....all those trouble makers and traffic jam makers have to make do with the old road...Take it or leave it!

1 1

Hasan Monday, 21 October 2013 07:19 PM

why there's difference between southern highway and katunayaka highway? ultimately it's going to be connected together..this is another politics by MR to convince the diplomats who visit Commonwealth that's why he finished it before connecting Kottawa to Paheliyagoda...

0 0

wickremasinghe Monday, 21 October 2013 08:13 PM

Toll for the roads are very important to pay the loans and the up keeps, if one dose not like the toll you take the small roads as before..But I do not agry for what they charge from forigners to visit certain places in Sri Lanka.A lot more than what you pay in Europe.At the moment forigners are taken for a ride,but this will never lastlong. Compared to the chargers in Europe,Sri Lanka is charging too high, to visit certain places. If the authorities do not pay attention to this sort of problems we will be very sad as there are much more cheaper tourist destinations in the world.
Dilip from Paris.

0 0

Chinaman Monday, 21 October 2013 08:16 PM

Again these Chinamen, we will soon see half Chinese kids running along these highways of Sri Lanka. First along the South Highway (or are they running there ?)

0 1

warra Monday, 21 October 2013 09:30 PM

Correction Dubai does have oil and the city was built on it. although the oil reserves will be exhausted in the next 20 years. so you cannot compare Dubai and SL they are a much richer country and backed by he UAE. i think the toll fee is much reasonable.

0 0

Priyantha Monday, 21 October 2013 09:51 PM

How much the charge from a Bullock kart, a push bicycle and a motor cycle in this high way.
300 rupees is too costly to travel in the highway.

0 0

me Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:00 AM

I think everyone's missing a point here..... I think the price increase is because, they think that if the ppl using this highway have money to buy an air ticket to go out of the country, then why can't they pay 600 bucks!! :D small amount compared to a plane ticket right? :D Height of stupidity I tell you!! :/

0 1

Loyal Citizen Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:00 AM

It is clear that this road is made only for ministers,cricketers,businessmen & foreign delegations.Not for us :( via DM Android App

1 0

Lucky Weeramantry Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:10 AM

People Always Complain About Traffic Jams, But When Expressways Are Built They Say The Charges Are High. People Will Realize When You Have To Reach A Destination On Time. Give Credit To Whoever Built These Roads.

0 1

Rationalist Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:15 AM

Does this Toll apply to MPs and Ministers and their entourages too? Or will they get a subsidy?

0 2

PAUL WATT Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:23 AM

300 is damn cheap. Would have charged 3,000 instead and both ways. This is how the family can gain .

0 0

M A Q Saleem Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:25 AM

If I am correct , the interstate highways in USA are free - they are called freeways. Hope that common sense prevails and our present and future inter-provincial highways are freeways. Wonder whether there would be toll charges for even the outer circle roads.

maqs

0 0

xlntgson Tuesday, 22 October 2013 12:39 AM

''Considering the fledgling economy we fixed at this rate, it is worth more than that, if it is popular we will make it thousand, after all, vehicle are owned by rich, what is that indirect direct etc?''

1 0

jude Tuesday, 22 October 2013 01:20 AM

Way to go!!!!..Yet another Highway, Toll Fee is good. It should be user-pay system. I don't think the Fee is Too Much???!!! However, if it's too much you can always make concessions!!!???

0 0

Ken Tuesday, 22 October 2013 01:23 AM

I am sure if they can afford the airline ticket they can also pay the toll fee to get there.

But then there are some I know that will try save on the toll fee of SLR300 = US $2 panic and stress all the way to the airport and then buy a cup of coffee for USD20 at the airport to release the stress. Go figure!

0 3

Ken Tuesday, 22 October 2013 01:33 AM

Why is it so difficult for some people to swallow progress. I believe the majority of Sri Lankans believe we have made huge progress in development since the war ended and are proud of the changes. I travel frequently to Sri Lanka and pleasantly surprised each and every time.

I for one am planning to migrate back permanently and give something back to my country. If it was not for these changes I am seeing now I would have found it difficult to invest in business there and plan my move.

1 6

lalith Tuesday, 22 October 2013 01:38 AM

This is peanuts for them. Their income is unlimited and many avenues. no income tax too.

0 0

lalith Tuesday, 22 October 2013 01:42 AM

all those who justify the fee and praise the x are "katu suppu karana henchaiyo"

0 0

gamage Tuesday, 22 October 2013 01:52 AM

airport without planes, port without ships, motorway without vehicles, donkeys without brains!

1 0

saman Tuesday, 22 October 2013 02:01 AM

Sri Lankan people get Education for free. Health facilities are free too. Then they pay peanuts for patrol and fertiliser thanks to heavily subsidies government pricing. Even expect the Government to buy their crop.
In return, Sri Lankans pay no tax and expects the government to somehow keep giving them freebies.
Now they are on about having to pay just Rs. 300 to use the highway. People in SL should understand that there is no such things called 'freebies'. Even if the government gives it for free or at a subsidised price, Sri Lanka as a nation has to put the bill somewhere.

4 2

Lucky Weeramantry Tuesday, 22 October 2013 02:14 AM

If Expressways Are Useless, Then Casinos Are Good., This Ruins The Country

0 0

Suddha Tuesday, 22 October 2013 05:00 AM

Minister:" Dang kohomada me "expressway ekata"api "charge karanne".
Golaya: Ow "Sir" eka thami mang baaluwe.
Minister:" Api thun seeyak withara damu ne "One way"
Golaya: Ow "Sir" eke niyamai.
Minister: Ah enang "circualar" ekayak evapang." Circular"dekak niyamai.

And so the rates for the expressway came to Being!!

0 0

dev Tuesday, 22 October 2013 06:44 AM

Obviously, for a short drive pay 300 is way too much. have to pay for fuel as well as 300 bucks sucks.

0 1

Nish Tuesday, 22 October 2013 06:52 AM

First of All thank to the president and the team. Toll charges are not fair comparing with southern highway toll charges.

0 1

Nish Tuesday, 22 October 2013 06:53 AM

we cannot compare with them because they have a lot of Oil resources and they could earn more than us.

1 0

Cobra Tuesday, 22 October 2013 07:17 AM

The day we will all have to eat only polsambol and rice is not far away, perhaps it is already upon us!

0 0

K.Rushangan Tuesday, 22 October 2013 07:33 AM

Some people used to see only some negative things in any progression. This mentally is the main obstacle for Sri Lanka's fast development

1 2

mohamed asfar Tuesday, 22 October 2013 08:08 AM

because of this highway everyone wins in some way. most of the vehicles will take the highway to the airport so Negombo road will be half less traffic than now.

0 0

jayaway wa Tuesday, 22 October 2013 08:38 AM

How much is the commission? you see a country like Qatar they are expending the roads every way and make easy to all the people. No ticket and no fees. All are treated equally qataris and forners. no need to pay tax. World knows that sri lanka is a good country but OUR FAMINE BIRDS NEEDS TAXES FOR ALL FOR THEIR ONE FAMILY ENJOYMENT

0 0

jayaway wa Tuesday, 22 October 2013 08:42 AM

mostly in a country the build the road to reduce the TRAFFIC, BUT IN THE COUNTRY, THEY MAKE THE ROAD TO EARN THE MONEY ON INVESTING PEOPLES MONEY

0 0

Priyan Tuesday, 22 October 2013 09:38 AM

Don't mislead the public "Dots" - Dubai has toll bridges of AED 4 each( 140 LKR) @ 24 places in Dubai itself; they intend to increase this to 32 toll bridges by next year. All these toll bridges are located within distances of 4-7 KM-sometimes less. The concept is totally different from what is practiced in SL - dont try to compare Apples with Oranges just to release your anger on the ruling party. I think all Sri Lankans would benefit from these projects - for instance the benefit would not only be the 20 minute ride for vehicles wishing to pay the toll; but the major reduction of traffic in existing Negombo road which is free to use... OPEN UP YOUR MIND...

0 2

Raj Tuesday, 22 October 2013 09:59 AM

Who do you think is paying for building it? Its your typical Lankans who will be paying for the Loans taken to build it. And most of them will not be using it.

0 0

gaz Tuesday, 22 October 2013 09:59 AM

E01 100kms = 400.. Rs.4 per km...
CKE 25km = 300 Rs..12 per km...
400%% increase. Suba gaman!!!

0 0

Charles Tuesday, 22 October 2013 10:06 AM

This is all because of the interference in our internal affairs by India. India has oppressed us for so long. When will we say enough is enough and build our own expressways with the help of friendly countries like China, Pakistan, North Korea.

1 0

kee Tuesday, 22 October 2013 10:06 AM

kottawa-galle = 110km = LKR 400
col- katunayake = 21km = LKR 300

how reasonable is that?

0 0

Lucky Weeramantry Wednesday, 23 October 2013 12:06 AM

The Same People Who Are Against These Expressways, Will Be Praising Them In A Few Years Time. That's Sri Lankan Style.

0 0

Ranjith Thursday, 24 October 2013 12:54 AM

if anyone thinks fees is too high use normal road to get air port and pay more money for fuel and time !

0 0

Vijaya fernando Thursday, 24 October 2013 04:54 AM

People now have the option to drive past life like in decadent countries

0 0

Ranjith Silvar Thursday, 24 October 2013 06:55 AM

What is the logic of this calculation? One day, Jaffna Colombo will be Rs 4500.00 according to this logic. Suggest Rs. 150 as the fee one way.

0 0

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