The Indian Army has completed the construction of a third Bailey bridge on Sri Lanka’s B-492 Highway, connecting Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the Central Province. This bridge, spanning 120 feet and situated at KM 15, was erected by the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
This latest bridge follows the successful installation of two other crucial Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions. By linking Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, this new bridge reestablishes a crucial connection that was disrupted for more than a month after Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian Army’s efforts underscore India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka under the Neighbourhood First policy.
In early January, the Task Force restored connectivity at KM 21 and various strategic locations along the B-492, which links Kandy to Badulla in the Uva Province, an area severely impacted by the cyclone. These rapid construction projects have not only reconnected communities and reduced travel time but have also facilitated the transportation of essential supplies post-disaster.
The swift response in constructing these bridges highlights India’s dedication to its Neighbourhood First policy and its role as a primary responder during regional crises. Following Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation in Sri Lanka, Operation Sagar Bandhu, initiated in November 2025, enabled India to deliver urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, including the restoration of critical infrastructure like roads and bridges.
