In a significant step towards rebuilding cyclone-ravaged Sri Lanka, the first Bailey Bridge constructed with India's assistance has been officially opened for public use. This crucial infrastructure project restores a major road connection between the island nation's Central and Uva provinces, re-establishing a lifeline for communities cut off by the disaster.
Swift Construction by Indian Army
The 100-foot bridge was built by engineers from the Indian Army and inaugurated on Saturday. The opening ceremony was led by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, alongside Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena and Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathne. The Indian High Commission in Colombo announced the development on Sunday, highlighting its role in reviving passenger movement, supply chains for essential goods, and local economic activity.
Massive Airlift and Broader Reconstruction Plan
The bridge marks the initial phase of a much larger reconstruction effort. It is the first project under India's substantial $450 million reconstruction package announced for Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The devastating storm struck in November, causing widespread flooding and landslides that claimed over 600 lives.
The materials for this and future bridges were transported in a massive airlift operation. Four C-17 Globemaster aircraft ferried four Bailey Bridge sets, with a total weight of approximately 228 tonnes, to Sri Lanka. The airlift also included an engineering task force of 48 Indian Army personnel to oversee construction.
According to the Indian mission, this is just the beginning. Over 15 additional Bailey Bridges are planned for construction in the affected areas in the coming weeks to fully restore connectivity.
Comprehensive Aid Under Operation Sagar Bandhu
The bridge construction is part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched by India on November 28. This comprehensive initiative encompasses relief, recovery assistance, and restoring critical infrastructure. Aid has included the supply of medicines and the establishment of field hospitals.
The financial aid package, announced during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit, consists of $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in grants.
India's assistance extends beyond roads. Indian Railways' IRCON International Limited is assisting Sri Lanka Railways in reconstructing the cyclone-damaged Northern Railway Line from Mahawa Junction to Omanthai. This project involves building new bridges and installing a modern signalling system, with the goal of fully restoring services before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14.
The next immediate step is the expected installation of another Bailey Bridge on the Kandy–Ragala Road, further accelerating the recovery of Sri Lanka's transport network.
