The Ministry of Highways has made an advance payment of Rs. 16.67 billion for the construction of the Kadawatha- Meerigama section of the Central Expressway.
As per the agreement, the Government is to contribute 15% from the Treasury for the project.
Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando said the advance payment was made yesterday (25) to the private firm sanctioned to construct the road.
The Kadawatha- Meerigama section of the Central Expressway is 36.54Km in length, 24.4M in width, and will consist of a flyover with 4 lanes spanning 13.24Km.
The cost for the construction of the road project has been estimated at Rs. 158 billion.
Minister Fernando said that the Kadawatha- Meerigama section of the Central Expressway, which should have been constructed 5 years ago, has been commenced under the directives of the President and Prime Minister.
Speaking to reporters on a previous occasion, Minister Johnston Fernando said that the Kadawatha to Meerigama phase of the Central Expressway will be constructed within 3 to 3 1/2 years.
He further said that the Meerigama to Kurunegala phase of the Central expressway will be completed over the next 6 months. (Newswire)