Indian Army's Lifeline: Third Bailey Bridge Completed in Sri Lanka After Cyclone

Restoration of Connectivity in Sri Lanka

New Delhi: The Indian Army has successfully completed the construction of a third Bailey bridge on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka, which connects Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. This bridge was essential for restoring a crucial route that had been disrupted for over a month due to Cyclone Ditwah.

Spanning 120 feet and situated at KM 15, this bridge was erected by the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Army announced, “The Engineer Task Force has successfully launched two critical Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions, and now the third bridge at KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka’s Central Province has been completed.”

The bridge reestablishes a vital connection between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, which had been isolated for over a month following the cyclone. This initiative highlights India’s unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka and its Neighbourhood First policy.

Earlier this January, the Task Force had already restored connectivity at KM 21 and other key locations along the B-492, which links Kandy in the Central Province to Badulla in Uva Province, one of the areas hardest hit by the cyclone. The rapid construction of these bridges has helped reconnect communities, shorten travel times, and enable the transport of essential supplies in the wake of the disaster.

The Indian Army reiterated that these bridge constructions reflect India’s dedication to its Neighbourhood First policy and its role as a primary responder during regional emergencies. Cyclone Ditwah, which impacted Sri Lanka late last year, caused extensive flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage, straining local disaster response efforts.

Launched in November 2025, Operation Sagar Bandhu allowed India to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including the restoration of roads, bridges, and essential services. By quickly reestablishing connectivity along the B-492, the Indian Army has not only improved daily life for affected communities but also reinforced bilateral relations and goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.

The completion of the third Bailey bridge at KM 15 is another significant achievement in these relief efforts, showcasing the Indian Army’s engineering skills, quick response capabilities, and ongoing commitment to humanitarian support in the region.