In response to media reports highlighting the deteriorated condition of the passenger flyover at the Bambalapitiya Railway Station, the State Development and Construction Corporation of Sri Lanka, promptly constructed a temporary bridge recently to ensure passenger safety on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
What makes this temporary access bridge particularly noteworthy is its cost-effectiveness, achieved by repurposing metal and other materials that were surplus from previous projects conducted by the same institution in different locations.
Minister of Transport, Highways, and Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana graced the occasion and extended his appreciation to the committed staff for accomplishing the construction in just ten days and making it available for public use.
Dr. Gunawardana said, “Today is not a formal opening ceremony, but a heartfelt event aimed at expressing our appreciation and gratitude to the diligent staff of the State Development and Construction Corporation.
These dedicated individuals worked tirelessly to create a temporary access road, providing a safe and convenient alternative to the hazardous Bambalapitiya flyover. In just ten days, their efforts have significantly enhanced the safety and ease of travel for the public.
Currently, over thirty bridges, including main bridges, have been identified as severely deteriorated. These bridges witness a significant volume of traffic and serve as crucial conduits for numerous people daily. The estimated cost for the restoration of these 30 bridges is Rs. 200 million.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn have made it infeasible to undertake any development initiatives.
Regardless of the urgency of certain situations, securing the necessary financial allocations has become increasingly challenging. The available State budget is currently earmarked primarily for essential expenses, including the salaries and pensions of Government employees, as well as subsidies, such as Samurdhi.
Treasury
Following the disbursement of these payments, the treasury will be left without any remaining funds. Historically, development initiatives have relied on loans, either sourced domestically or internationally. However, until the debt situation is restructured, the nation will not have access to foreign assistance.
Regardless of the promises or assertions made by politicians or any other individuals, practical implementation remains a significant challenge.
In response to the media’s highlighting of the bridge’s highly perilous state, we assumed the responsibility of its restoration, as directed by the President’s Secretariat.
Given the financial constraints, the State Development and Construction Corporation willingly undertook the challenge.
Despite being an organisation grappling with the inability to meet even basic salary payments, it is of utmost importance to commend the organisation’s commendable efforts in swiftly completing this temporary bridge within a mere ten-day timeframe. Bambalapitiya Railway Station, a bustling transportation hub, witnesses a substantial daily influx of people.
The Chairman of the State Development and Design Corporation, along with all the dedicated staff, including the engineers, are deserving of appreciation for their integral role in swiftly constructing a temporary bridge to replace the hazardous one, even amid challenging national circumstances. As the Minister overseeing this matter, I extend gratitude and respect to them on behalf of both myself and the President.
Traditional approaches may not be sufficient to uplift the Railway Department. Our intention is to enhance these railway stations and the adjoining lands through innovative projects, potentially involving local or foreign investments under long-term lease arrangements, making them more effective and sustainable.
During my recent attendance at a transport conference in Malaysia, I observed a striking trend where even the nation’s premier hotels were constructed atop the primary train stations.
This innovative approach involves substantial developments, such as expansive shopping malls, hotels, and residential complexes, situated on the upper levels of the railway stations.
It is imperative to adopt similar models to transform the currently deficit-ridden railway department into a profitable entity. Rather than relying on conventional slogans, we must embrace fresh and innovative ideas to address the existing challenges and find effective solutions.
Dilapidated
In this year’s budget documents, we have submitted requests for the allocation of financial resources to address the reconstruction of severely dilapidated bridges.
With the ongoing success of the debt restructuring efforts, I am confident that we will have the means to repair all these bridges within the coming year.
Chairman of the State Development and Construction Corporation Engineer Kushan Devinda expressed that while his organisation has undertaken numerous projects across different regions of the country, this form of recognition and gratitude on behalf of the Government is a first of its kind.
