New bridge for East

Sivam PACKIYANATHAN

The new bridge being constructed

A new bridge parallel to the Kallady bridge in Batticaloa is nearing completion under the Mahinda Chinthana policy to provide connectivity among regions.

The new two-way bridge is being constructed by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) at a cost of Rs 1,200 million.

State Development and Construction Corporation Project Manager K W G Kumarasiri said the new bridge will be commissioned by the end of this year. Kallady bridge, one of the famous bridges in the Eastern Province, is over 70 years old and believed to be the oldest and longest iron bridge in Sri Lanka.

It was built by the British. Although the warranty period for this bridge was only 50 years, the bridge is still under use. It connects the North and South of Batticaloa.

On average 10,000 vehicles cross this bridge daily. A number of accidents have also been reported.