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Indian Army Builds Third Bridge in Sri Lanka, Restoring Cyclone-Hit Connectivity

The Indian Army has constructed a third Bailey bridge in Sri Lanka, restoring a vital highway link between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya that was severed for over a month by Cyclone Ditwah. The 120-foot bridge was built by an Engineer Task Force as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiative. This swift restoration reconnects communities, facilitates essential supplies, and reduces travel time in the cyclone-affected Central Province. The effort underscores India's Neighbourhood First policy and its role as a first responder in regional crises.

Key Points: Indian Army Constructs 3rd Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka Post-Cyclone

  • Third Bailey bridge built on B-492 Highway
  • Restores Kandy-Nuwara Eliya link cut for a month
  • Part of Operation Sagar Bandhu HADR mission
  • Demonstrates rapid engineering response and regional commitment
2 min read

Op Sagar Bandhu: Indian Army constructs third Bailey bridge in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, restoring connectivity

Indian Army's Operation Sagar Bandhu restores critical highway link in Sri Lanka's Central Province after Cyclone Ditwah, aiding disaster recovery.

"This effort reaffirms India's steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka and the Neighbourhood First policy. - Indian Army"

New Delhi, Jan 17

The Indian Army has successfully constructed a third Bailey bridge on Sri Lanka's B-492 Highway, linking Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the Central Province, restoring a critical lifeline that was severed for over a month following Cyclone Ditwah.

The bridge, measuring 120 feet in length and located at KM 15, was built by the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force as part of ongoing efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Taking to social media X, Indian Army posted, "The Indian Army's Engineer Task Force after successfully launching two critical Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions, have constructed, the third Bailey Bridge of length 120 feet at KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka's Central Province."

"Linking the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, the bridge will restore a vital lifeline which was cut off for over a month in aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. This effort reaffirms India's steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka and the Neighbourhood First policy," the post added.

Earlier in January, the Task Force had restored connectivity at KM 21 and other strategic points along the B-492, which connects Kandy in the Central Province to Badulla in Uva Province-one of the worst-affected regions by the cyclone. The swift construction of these bridges has reconnected communities, reduced travel time, and facilitated the movement of essential supplies in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Indian Army emphasised that the construction of these bridges underscores India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy and highlights the country's role as a first responder in times of regional crises. Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka late last year, triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage, overwhelming local disaster-response mechanisms.

Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in November 2025, enabled India to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), including restoration of roads, bridges, and essential services. By swiftly reestablishing connectivity along the B-492, the Indian Army has not only facilitated daily life for affected communities but also strengthened bilateral ties and goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.

The third Bailey bridge at KM 15 marks another milestone in these relief efforts, demonstrating the Indian Army's engineering expertise, rapid response capability, and continued commitment to regional humanitarian support.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartwarming to see such swift action. The people in those districts must have been suffering for a month without proper connectivity. This is our 'Neighbourhood First' policy in action. Well done to the Engineer Task Force!
R
Rohit P
Great work, but I hope our own disaster response within India is equally swift. We often see delays in repairing bridges in our own northeastern states after floods. Let's apply this efficiency at home too.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has traveled in Sri Lanka, the terrain there is challenging. Building a 120-foot Bailey bridge so quickly is an incredible feat of engineering. This is soft power done right.
V
Vikram M
Operation Sagar Bandhu is a perfect example of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). When our neighbor is in trouble, we step up. This builds much more lasting goodwill than any diplomatic statement.
K
Karthik V
The Indian Army is not just about defense. Their HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) role is crucial for regional stability. Jai Hind to our soldiers and engineers!

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