The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Port Access Elevated Highway (PAEH) Project will construct about 5.3 kilometers (km) of an elevated toll highway with related facilities between New Kelani Bridge (NKB) and Galle Face in central Colombo 1.
This project will provide a direct link to the city center and the port from Colombo – Katunayake Expressway (CKE) via NKB, and then extend the expressway network into the city.
The project will help alleviate traffic congestion in the densely populated areas of Colombo, improve last-mile connectivity from the country’s expressway network to the international port in Colombo, provide better logistics services for freight operations, and facilitate regional trade.
The estimated cost of the Project is Rs, 28.002 Billion. The Project commenced in 2019 and was originally planned to be completed in 2023.
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
* Construction of elevated 4 – lanes highway from Ingurukade Junction (0+000 km) to Galle Face (5+270 km)
* Construction of Aluthmawatha IC, Pettah IC, Port IC, Galle Face IC with access ramps and connecting roads
*Widening/ Reinstatement of 4 – lane Port Access Road to 6 lanes
* Widening/ Reinstatement of Port Internal Road where necessary, and maintenance of roads
* Reinstatement of rail line and drainage system where affected by construction
* Relocation of any utility services which affected
* Demolition/ Removal of existing Building/ Structures
* Demolition/ Removal of any other facilities required
* Aesthetic design of Highway
* Ancillary Works
The project suffered various setbacks commencing with the 2020 Covid 19 Pandemic lock down further the biggest obstacle was battling with the serious security related issues of theft by drug addicts, impact of criminal gangs operating in the area and being midst of a major inter gang war shootout since September 2022, Sri Lanka Police Department took up the matter and investigated and took action with regard to 11 (eleven) cases on priority among many.
However, thanks to the very prompt intervention to step up the level of security and addressed all issues timely by the Sri Lanka Police department these obstacles and hazards were overcome. As at October 2023 Sri Lanka Police Department have arrested the most important 7 (seven) suspects who were driving these crimes. After lengthy interrogation the suspects have revealed and confessed that they were organized to commit these crimes.
The timely and effective support role played by the Sri Lanka police to combat all odds faced has not only ensured the smooth work as well accelerated progress it also has made a substantial impact on foreign investor confidence being boosted as security of foreign investors and stakeholders as well infrastructure contractors has been assured.
Impact and outcome of the Project
The project is aligned with the following impact: economic growth and regional trade and cooperation of the country facilitated. The project will have the following outcome: transport efficiency along the project road increased.
Tolling operation capacity of expressways strengthened. An attached technical assistance (TA) will strengthen operation capacity of the expressway regarding toll rate policy and electronic toll collection (ETC) system. A consultant firm and individual consultants will be recruited to prepare deliverables under the TA.
Support for trade logistics facilitation provided. Another attached TA will enhance trade logistics facilitation by (i) preparing diagnostic studies, standard operating procedures, and action plan, and providing capacity building to improve risk management practices; (ii) undertaking a feasibility study for a new customs inspection facility to improve process flow and timeliness; and (iii) conducting a study on technical design and business case for an electronic cargo tracking system (ECTS) to monitor and facilitate cargo movement to and from the port. A consultant firm and individual consultants will be recruited and prepare deliverables under the TA.
