Cracks detected on Southern Expressway: urgent repairs approved

• Extensive surface cracks and degradation have been observed between the 19th and 34th kilometer of the highway, covering the stretch from Kottawa to Dodangoda
• The Procurement Committee recommended awarding the contract to Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd,

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Cracks and internal structural damage have been detected along a section of the Southern Expressway (E-01), prompting urgent government action to carry out repairs.  

According to the Cabinet Spokesman, extensive surface cracks and degradation have been observed between the 19th and 34th kilometer of the highway, covering the stretch from Kottawa to Dodangoda. “It has been identified that the degraded base area should be repaired and a new surface overlay applied,” he said.

Bids were called from qualified local firms under the National Competitive Procurement process. Following evaluation, the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee recommended awarding the contract to Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, the lowest responsive bidder.  

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation to proceed with the renovation through Maga Engineering.