New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Indian Army has triumphantly completed the construction of a third Bailey bridge on Sri Lanka’s B-492 Highway, which connects Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the Central Province. This bridge plays a crucial role in restoring a vital connection that had been disrupted for over a month due to Cyclone Ditwah.

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

In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Army stated, “After successfully launching two critical Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy areas, our Engineer Task Force has now completed the third Bailey Bridge at KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka’s Central Province.”

“By linking the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, this bridge will restore a lifeline that was severed for over a month in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. This initiative reinforces India’s unwavering dedication to Sri Lanka and its Neighbourhood First policy,” the post continued.

Earlier in January, the Task Force had re-established connectivity at KM 21 and several other strategic locations along the B-492, which links Kandy in the Central Province to Badulla in Uva Province—one of the regions most severely impacted by the cyclone. The rapid construction of these bridges has reconnected communities, shortened travel times, and facilitated the transport of essential goods post-disaster.

The Indian Army emphasized that the establishment of these bridges highlights India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First approach and showcases its role as a first responder during regional crises. Cyclone Ditwah, which hit Sri Lanka late last year, caused extensive flooding, landslides, and significant damage to infrastructure, overwhelming local disaster response efforts.

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

The completion of the third Bailey bridge at KM 15 marks another significant achievement in these relief efforts, showcasing the Indian Army’s engineering prowess, rapid response capability, and ongoing commitment to regional humanitarian assistance.