The commencement of construction work on the Warakapola Bypass Road Development Project, which is to be implemented under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, took place today (24) under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Mr. Prasanna Gunasena.
The town of Warakapola, which serves as an important gateway to the Kegalle District, has faced severe traffic congestion for a considerable period. Although this bypass road project was initiated in 2021 as a solution to this problem, it was limited to a foundation-stone-laying ceremony due to the economic, social and political circumstances prevailing at the time.
The construction of this alternative road will contribute to the promotion of tourism in the Kegalle District and provide greater convenience to people travelling through Kegalle and those entering the Kandy District. Furthermore, it will help reduce traffic congestion for those travelling towards the Kurunegala District and the North Central Province. The resulting reduction in travel time is also expected to bring significant economic benefits to the country.
The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Road Development Authority (RDA) and will be constructed by Maga Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. at an estimated cost of Rs. 4,988 million. The road will be 2.32 kilometres in length and will consist of two lanes with a width of 7 metres. The project is scheduled to be completed within a period of two years.
Member of Parliament Mr. Manoj Rajapaksha, Member of Parliament Mrs. Sagarika Gangani Athukorala, Member of Parliament Mr. Kanchana Weliwitiya, Member of Parliament Dr. Nandana Millagala, Chairman of the Warakapola Pradeshiya Sabha Mr. Chandana Edirisinghe, members of the political authority, Kegalle District Secretary Mr. K. G. S. Nishantha, Warakapola Divisional Secretary Mr. Rangana Sajeeva, officials of the Road Development Authority, other government officials and a group of local residents were also present on the occasion.
