Second phase of Sri Lanka’s Central Expressway being built by 16 local contractors and on track to be completed by December 2019
Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman Nihal Sooriyarachchi has reportedly said that 16 local contractors are engaged in the construction work of the Central Expressway’s second phase and 25 percent of the work has now been complete with the work expected to conclude by December 2019.
According to the official, authorities are looking at adopting a similar strategy with the first phase of the Expressway as well.
The 39 kilometer stretch from Mirigama to Kurunegala is being built by 16 contractors starting from multiple locations allowing it to be completed fast, Sooriyarachchi has told the local media.
Local contractors were allowed to build the expressway to give them experience to bid for international projects, he has been quoted as saying.
According to reports, the first phase of the Central Expressway from Kadawatha to Mirigama was held up with the Chinese government delaying the approval of a US$ 1.1 billion loan.
The RDA is at present trying to adopt the strategy initiated in phase 2 for phase 1 as well.
“We are now talking to the contractor to begin building the phase from six locations,” Sooriyarachchi has said, adding “They can also use local contractors if necessary.”
OSL take:
The comments made by the RDA Chairman about the assigning of local contractors to carry out construction work of the second phase of the Central Expressway and the move to adopt a similar strategy for the first phase of the project as well, indicates the opening of new opportunities in the roads and highways sector in Sri Lanka. Foreign companies interested in playing a role in the construction of highways in Sri Lanka could partner with local companies to bid for such contracts. Also, material and equipment suppliers could also look for opportunities for business in the road and highways construction sector.
Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180611/Z_1 |