### Baseline Road Phase III to Resume: Easing Colombo–Horana Gridlock 📈

The Government of Sri Lanka has granted approval to resume construction on Phase III of the Baseline Road Extension Project. This critical infrastructure move aims to resolve chronic traffic congestion on the Colombo–Horana corridor, boosting urban mobility and economic efficiency. • Project Scope & Scale The project involves a six-lane dual carriageway spanning 0.86 km, connecting Kirulapona Junction to Dutugemunu Street. The design includes a center median and raised footwalks to facilitate pedestrian safety. • History & Status Originally approved in 2009, the project was suspended in 2022 due to the national economic crisis. It has now been re-prioritized under the National Road Master Plan. • Land Acquisition: Approximately 90% of required land is already completed. • Provisional Costs: Previous estimates placed land acquisition at Rs. 4.86 Bn and construction at Rs. 5.25 Bn (subject to revision). • Economic Impact By creating a high-capacity link for the transport & logistics sector, the extension is expected to significantly reduce travel times for commuters and commercial vehicles entering the capital from the south. This improvement in urban infrastructure is vital for enhancing the productivity of the Colombo Commercial City.