Construction of a new double railway bridge at Maggona on the Coastal Railway Line began on Monday (31) as part of a project to rehabilitate the railway line.
The foundation stone was laid under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena.
The new bridge, located at milepost 33, chainage 43 of the Coastal Railway Line, is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 401.03 million using state funds. The project is being implemented by R.R. Construction under the Sri Lanka Railways, with construction scheduled to be completed within one year.
The new concrete bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing steel bridge. It will be 26 metres long and 10.5 metres wide.
The existing steel bridge was damaged during the 2004 tsunami and has remained in a deteriorated condition due to the lack of proper rehabilitation. As a result, train speeds along this section have been restricted.
The Railway Department’s Way and Works Division is currently taking steps to expedite construction of the new bridge and improve the safety and efficiency of rail services along the route. (Newswire)