October 19, Colombo (LNW): In a move to enhance road safety in hilly terrain, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has launched a targeted infrastructure project aimed at reducing accidents along embankments deemed particularly dangerous.
The initiative follows a concerning rise in road-related incidents across mountainous regions.
As part of the initial phase of this safety enhancement programme, the RDA will begin constructing protective fencing along treacherous road stretches in the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Central Provinces.
These regions, known for their winding roads and steep gradients, have seen a disproportionate number of vehicle mishaps in recent months, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and low visibility.
Deputy Director General of the RDA’s Road Safety and Traffic Management Division, K. Chandrakumara, stated that approximately 50 kilometres of iron fencing will be installed in areas that have been identified through risk assessments and accident data analysis.
The fencing will serve as a physical barrier to prevent vehicles from veering off sharp bends and plunging down embankments—a common and often fatal occurrence on Sri Lanka’s hill-country roads.
The project has been prioritised due to the urgent need to protect both local commuters and tourists who frequently travel through these scenic but perilous routes.
In many of the identified locations, minimal infrastructure exists to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway, particularly in rural or remote areas where emergency response times can be delayed.
While the current phase covers only a portion of the country’s high-risk areas, authorities have indicated that the initiative may be expanded in future stages to include additional provinces and secondary roads, subject to funding and further evaluations.
