Sri Lanka could see major economic gains from a proposed land bridge connecting the island with India, according to a new policy brief by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), authored by Shahane De Silva, which argues stronger physical connectivity could transform trade, tourism and regional development.
The discussion has also gained renewed attention after India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, speaking at the Global Innovation and Leadership Summit in Colombo, described the lack of direct land connectivity between the two neighbouring countries as an “anomaly,” arguing that the engineering and commercial logic behind such a project were compelling.
The study, titled “Bridging the Palk Strait: Assessing Indo-Lanka Land Connectivity,” says a fixed road and rail link between Dhanushkodi in India and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka could significantly reduce travel and transport times while boosting Colombo Port’s competitiveness amid rising regional competition, including from India’s newly developed Vizhinjam Port in Kerala.
According to the report, cargo movement between India and Sri Lanka through a proposed land route could take a maximum of around nine hours, compared to current maritime routes that can take between 40 and 122 hours due to shipping processes, port delays and turnaround times.
The report argues that a direct land link could also transform economic activity in Sri Lanka’s Northern, Eastern and North Central provinces by allowing businesses to engage more directly with Southern India’s economy. It notes that Tamil Nadu — projected to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 — could create significant opportunities for supply-chain integration and regional industrial growth.
The study further states that more affordable land access could increase tourist arrivals from Southern India, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economies in underdeveloped regions.
However, the report highlights environmental and security concerns, warning that the Palk Strait contains sensitive marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats around Adam’s Bridge. It recommends a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment before any project moves forward. The report also calls for stronger border management systems to address concerns over trafficking and illicit cross-border activity. (Newswire)