India Extends Lifeline to Sri Lanka, Builds Third Bailey Bridge Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

Following the devastating Cyclone Dithwah in Sri Lanka, India has stepped in to provide assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian Army has successfully constructed three critical Bailey bridges in Jaffna, Kandy, and the Central Province. The third bridge, measuring 120 feet in length, connects Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, reopening a route that had been blocked for over a month and restoring movement and supply lines.

The Engineer Task Force B-492 of the Indian Army has been working tirelessly on restoration efforts. Two Bailey bridges in Jaffna and Kandy were completed earlier, and the third bridge, located near KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, has now been successfully installed.

This bridge is particularly significant as it links the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, which had remained cut off due to the cyclone for more than a month. Its completion ensures the resumption of essential transport, supply of necessities, and emergency services, offering hope for a gradual return to normalcy in the region.

Cyclone Dithwah had severely disrupted daily life in Sri Lanka, causing heavy rainfall, landslides, and floods that damaged roads, bridges, and communication networks. Several areas were isolated, making access to basic necessities extremely difficult.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian government has coordinated relief and rescue efforts involving the Army, Navy, and other agencies, providing essential supplies, rescuing stranded individuals, and rebuilding critical infrastructure. India’s timely intervention underscores its role as a reliable neighbor committed to helping Sri Lanka recover from the disaster.