Sri Lanka: Sixth Flyover and the Bridge Opened for Traffic

The Pannipitiya flyover and the Hirana Bridge in Panadura were inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and was declared opened yesterday (January 12). The Pannipitiya Flyover which remained a dream for a long period was realized through maximum efforts of the Government.

The construction of the new flyover bridge which was constructed over the Pannipitiya rail track close to the High level Road and the 174 bus route between Kottawa and Borella begun the construction works almost 12 years ago, but for some reason or other completeion was delayed.

President Rajapaksa was informed of the inordinate delay in completing the construction, and he instructed the officials to finalize the construction work soon and make available for the usage of the general public.

The Government was able to complete the construction which the earlier governments failed.

The flyover that was built as a solution to the traffic congestion on these roads is 120 meters in length and consists of 4 lanes. It was built at the cost of 148 million rupees. The Pannipitiya Flyover will greatly convenience a large number of commuters.

Meanwhile the President also inaugurated the bridge at Hirana in Panadura.

People were using a ferry service and the bridge would ease congestion on Galle Road from Panadura to Colombo. The bridge also provides a shorter route for those who travel from Galle towards Maharagama, Homagama, Sri Jayawardanapura and Kandy Road.

It is 125 meters in length and 13 ½ meters in width. The pavements besides the road are 1 ½ meters in width. The Bridge that links the Kesbewa and Panadura towns was built at the cost of 757 million rupees.

This would benefit people who use the ferry and ease congestion on Galle Road from Panadura to Colombo. The bridge provides a shorter route for those who travel from Galle towards Maharagama, Homagama, Jayawardanapura and Kandy Road.

Reports said that large numbers of people thronged these locations following the arrival of the President who came without prior notice. Several parliamentarians were also present. The President has taken measures to construct several flyovers around Colombo turning the Mihinda Chinthana Programme in to a reality.

Gallery – Click on picture to zoom.

- Asian Tribune