Government to obtain independent consultancy services for China-backed elevated highway project

The Cabinet nod was given this week to obtain consultancy services for the construction, maintenance and supervisiion of the elevated highway to Kelaniya New Bridge (NKB) via Rajagiriya connecting Outer Circular Highway at Athurugiriya, which is to be undertaken by China Harbor Engineering Corporation on a designing-building-funding -operating and transferring (DBFOT) basis. 

Minister of Highways, Johnston Fernando on Monday sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to select a consultancy institution for the task under formal procurement methodology, which would be employed by the Road Development Authority (RDA).

“A consultancy institution should be appointed as an independent engineer to supervise the construction and maintenance work to ensure the quality and timely construction of the proposed road,” the Government Information Department said. In late May, the Cabinet of Ministers awarded the elevated highway project to China Harbor Engineering Corporation, a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company and a sister company of the project company of Colombo Port City.  It was also the first highway project in the country to be given on DBFOT basis. Initially, the project was proposed to be implemented with the co-finances of Asian Development Bank (ADB). 

The construction of the Expressway is expected to be completed in three years.