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Indian Navy Delivers Vital Bailey Bridges to Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

The Indian Naval Ship Gharial has arrived in Colombo to deliver 10 Bailey Bridges, crucial for restoring road connectivity in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. This humanitarian mission is part of India's broader $450 million Special Economic Package announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The bridges will facilitate civilian mobility and enable smoother relief and rehabilitation operations in affected areas. The deployment reinforces the Indian Navy's role as a first responder and trusted partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Key Points: India Sends Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Recovery

  • Post-cyclone reconstruction aid
  • 10 modular Bailey Bridges delivered
  • Part of $450M Special Economic Package
  • Enhances regional HADR cooperation
  • Restores critical road connectivity
2 min read

Indian Navy delivers Bailey bridges to Sri Lanka post inauguration with EAM Jaishankar

Indian Navy delivers 10 Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka for post-cyclone reconstruction, part of a $450M aid package announced by EAM Jaishankar.

"reinforcing India's enduring support to its maritime neighbours in times of need - Indian Navy"

Colombo, February 5

Indian Naval Ship Gharial arrived at Colombo to deliver 10 Bailey Bridges in support of Sri Lanka's post-cyclone reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

This follows the inauguration of a Bailey Bridge by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in December 2025.

The modular Bailey Bridges will play a critical role in the rapid restoration of damaged road connectivity, facilitating civilian mobility and enabling the smooth conduct of relief and rehabilitation operations in affected areas.

This humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission forms part of India's USD 450 million Special Economic Package announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and builds upon the ongoing regional cooperation framework under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

The deployment underscores the commitment of the Indian Navy as a first responder and a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing India's enduring support to its maritime neighbours in times of need.

The Indian Naval Ship Gharial has docked in Colombo with a vital shipment of 10 Bailey Bridges, aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka's reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The delivery, which took place on Wednesday, marks a key milestone in ongoing humanitarian efforts to restore infrastructure and support affected communities in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Cyclone Ditwah caused severe damage to roads and vital transport networks, disrupting civilian mobility and hampering relief operations. The modular Bailey Bridges are set to play a transformative role in swiftly re-establishing road connectivity, ensuring that emergency services and humanitarian aid can reach the most impacted regions without delay.

This mission is integral to the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) framework, which has become increasingly significant in the wake of natural disasters that threaten regional stability. It is also aligned with India's commitment made under the USD 450 million Special Economic Package announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, further demonstrating the depth of India's support for its neighbours during challenging times.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Jai Hind! Our Navy consistently proves to be the first responder in the region. This is strategic humanitarian aid that strengthens bonds and ensures stability. Well done to all involved.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope our own disaster preparedness and infrastructure in coastal states is getting equal attention and funding. Charity begins at home, but shouldn't end there.
S
Sneha F
Bailey bridges are a brilliant, practical solution for quick reconstruction. This aid will directly help common people in Sri Lanka get their lives back on track. More power to such initiatives!
K
Karthik V
The USD 450 million package is a significant commitment. It shows India is a reliable and generous big brother in the Indian Ocean Region. This is how you build lasting goodwill.
M
Michael C
As someone living in Colombo, I saw the damage from the cyclone firsthand. This timely assistance from India is crucial. Thank you for the support. It means a lot to the people here.

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