“Southern Expressway gets new second service station in Udukawa by Sep 2025. Transport Minister reveals plans to solve long-standing traveler issues.”
Transport Minister Announces Revolutionary Change for Southern Expressway Travelers
Sri Lanka’s highway infrastructure receives a major boost as Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake announces the launch of a new service station along the Southern Expressway. The facility will open at Udukawa by the end of September 2025, providing much-needed relief to thousands of daily travelers who currently face limited options along this crucial highway route.
Current Situation Creates Challenges for Highway Users
The Southern Expressway currently operates with only one service center, creating significant inconvenience for the thousands of vehicles that travel this route daily. This highway connects Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo with major southern cities including Galle, Matara, and Hambantota, making it one of the country’s busiest transportation corridors.
The Southern Expressway spans 222 kilometers, linking Colombo with major southern cities, yet travelers have been forced to rely on a single service facility for their basic needs. This situation has created long queues during peak travel times and left many drivers with limited options for fuel, food, and restroom facilities.
Minister Rathnayake addressed this pressing issue during a recent public event, explaining how the current system affects ordinary citizens. “People no longer need to wait until they reach Mattala, Nagagama, or Aluthgama just to use a washroom or grab a cup of tea,” the Minister stated, highlighting the practical benefits the new facility will bring to travelers.
Business Concerns Previously Delayed Development
The Minister revealed that construction of additional service centers along the Southern Expressway had been previously delayed due to concerns about potential negative impacts on existing businesses. This situation created a monopoly-like environment where travelers had no choice but to use the single available facility, regardless of pricing or service quality.
“Along the Southern Expressway, we’ve noticed that there’s only one service center available. The construction of additional service centers was reportedly withheld due to concerns that it might negatively impact certain businesses,” Minister Rathnayake explained during his announcement.
This revelation sheds light on the complex balance between infrastructure development and protecting existing business interests. However, the government has now prioritized public convenience and traveler safety over these commercial concerns.
Road Development Authority Takes Swift Action
The responsibility for implementing this crucial infrastructure project falls to the Road Development Authority (RDA), Sri Lanka’s premier highway development organization. Minister Rathnayake expressed confidence in the RDA’s ability to complete the project within the specified timeframe.
“We believe the Road Development Authority will initiate this work swiftly,” the Minister stated, indicating strong government backing for this initiative. The RDA has extensive experience managing expressway infrastructure projects and has successfully maintained Sri Lanka’s growing network of modern highways.
The new service station will feature modern amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of highway travelers. These facilities typically include fuel stations, restaurants, convenience stores, restroom facilities, and parking areas that can accommodate both private vehicles and commercial transport.
Comparison with Central Expressway Development
During his announcement, Minister Rathnayake drew important comparisons between the Southern Expressway situation and the Central Expressway project. He noted that service facilities are being constructed as part of the overall Central Expressway development, indicating a more integrated approach to highway infrastructure planning.
“This issue does not arise with the Central Expressway, where such service facilities are being constructed as part of the overall development,” the Minister explained. This statement suggests that future expressway projects will incorporate service facilities from the planning stage rather than adding them later.
The construction of the Kadawatha-Mirigama section of the Central Expressway resumed recently under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s patronage, with the project expected to be fully completed by mid-2028 using a USD 500 million loan from China’s Export-Import Bank.
Strategic Location Benefits Thousands of Daily Users
The Udukawa location for the new service station represents a strategic choice that will benefit the maximum number of highway users. This positioning will create healthy competition with the existing service facility while providing travelers with more options and potentially better pricing.
The current Southern Expressway service stations near Welipenna house various businesses including Cargills Food City, Juiceez, Dinemore, and other establishments, setting a precedent for the types of services travelers can expect at the new Udukawa facility.
The new station will serve not only private vehicle owners but also commercial transport operators who rely on the Southern Expressway for efficient cargo movement between Colombo and southern ports. This includes traffic to and from Hambantota Port, which plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s international trade operations.
Economic Impact and Job Creation Opportunities
The development of the new service station will create numerous employment opportunities in the Udukawa area. These facilities typically require staff for fuel operations, food service, retail sales, maintenance, and security functions. Local communities often benefit significantly from such infrastructure developments through direct employment and increased economic activity.
Small and medium-scale enterprises will have opportunities to establish businesses within or around the new service facility. This could include restaurants, retail outlets, vehicle service centers, and other traveler-oriented businesses that support the broader highway economy.
Timeline and Project Implementation
The September 2025 deadline represents an ambitious timeline for completing this infrastructure project. The commitment demonstrates the government’s recognition of the urgent need to address traveler inconvenience along this crucial highway route.
The project implementation will require careful coordination between multiple stakeholders, including the RDA, local government authorities, utility service providers, and construction contractors. Environmental clearances and land acquisition procedures must be completed efficiently to meet the announced timeline.
Modern Amenities and Services Expected
Based on current standards for expressway service facilities in Sri Lanka, travelers can expect modern amenities at the new Udukawa station. Typical features include 24/7 fuel stations, multiple food outlets, public washroom facilities, and parking for over 100 vehicles.
The facility will likely include ATM services, convenience stores, and possibly vehicle maintenance services to cater to the diverse needs of highway travelers. Modern service stations also incorporate environmental considerations such as waste management systems and energy-efficient lighting.
Broader Infrastructure Development Context
This announcement comes during a period of renewed focus on infrastructure development in Sri Lanka. The government has recently resumed major expressway projects that were halted during the economic crisis, with financing through both domestic funds and international loans.
The Southern Expressway service station project aligns with broader government objectives to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance the overall travel experience for citizens. This initiative supports economic recovery efforts by improving connectivity between major economic centers.
Impact on Travel Patterns and Tourism
The new service station will significantly impact travel patterns along the Southern Expressway corridor. Travelers will have more flexibility in planning their journeys, knowing they have multiple options for stopping to rest, refuel, or purchase supplies.
This development particularly benefits the tourism industry, as the Southern Expressway provides access to popular destinations including Galle, Mirissa, and other coastal attractions. Improved highway facilities enhance the overall tourist experience and support the country’s tourism recovery efforts.
Future Expansion Plans and Sustainability
While the immediate focus remains on completing the Udukawa service station by September 2025, this development may signal broader plans for expanding service facilities along Sri Lanka’s expressway network. The success of this project could serve as a model for addressing similar infrastructure gaps on other highways.
Sustainability considerations will likely play an important role in the facility’s design and operations. Modern service stations increasingly incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, and environmentally friendly waste management practices.
A New Era for Highway Travel
The announcement of the new Southern Expressway service station at Udukawa represents a significant step forward in improving Sri Lanka’s highway infrastructure. Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s commitment to completing this project by September 2025 demonstrates the government’s dedication to addressing practical concerns of everyday travelers.
This development will break the current monopoly situation, provide healthy competition, and ultimately deliver better services and pricing for highway users. The project’s success will depend on efficient implementation by the Road Development Authority and coordination between all stakeholders involved in the construction process.
For millions of Sri Lankans who regularly use the Southern Expressway, the new Udukawa service station promises to transform their travel experience, making highway journeys more comfortable, convenient, and affordable. This infrastructure improvement supports broader economic development goals while directly addressing the immediate needs of travelers who depend on this crucial transportation corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the new Southern Expressway service station open?
Answer: The new service station at Udukawa will launch by the end of September 2025, according to Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s official announcement. The Road Development Authority will handle the swift implementation of this project to meet the announced timeline.
2. Where exactly will the new service station be located?
Answer: The new service station will be built at Udukawa along the Southern Expressway. This strategic location was chosen to provide maximum benefit to travelers and create healthy competition with the existing single service center currently available on the highway.
3. Why was there only one service station on the Southern Expressway until now?
Answer: Minister Rathnayake revealed that the construction of additional service centers was previously delayed due to concerns that it might negatively impact certain existing businesses. The government has now prioritized public convenience and traveler safety over these commercial concerns.
4. What services will be available at the new Udukawa service station?
Answer: While specific details haven’t been announced yet, the facility is expected to include modern amenities similar to other expressway service stations: 24/7 fuel services, restaurants, convenience stores, clean restroom facilities, parking areas, and potentially ATM services and vehicle maintenance options.
5. How will this new service station benefit regular Southern Expressway travelers?
Answer: The new station will eliminate long waits and provide travelers with more options for fuel, food, and restroom facilities. As Minister Rathnayake noted, people will no longer need to wait until they reach distant locations like Mattala, Nagagama, or Aluthgama for basic services. It will also likely result in competitive pricing and better service quality due to increased competition.