Particle.news
Download on the App Store

India Opens First Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka Under $450 Million Post-Cyclone Aid

The opening signals the start of on-the-ground projects to restore transport links after Cyclone Ditwah.

Overview

  • The 100-foot bridge, built by the Indian Army, reestablishes a road connection between Central and Uva provinces.
  • Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha inaugurated the span with Sri Lankan deputy ministers Prasanna Gunasena and Madhura Senevirathne.
  • India has flown in four Bailey bridge sets totaling about 228 tonnes on C-17 aircraft along with an engineering task force of 48 personnel.
  • The mission plans to install more than 15 additional Bailey bridges across affected areas in the coming weeks.
  • India-backed repairs to the Northern Railway Line from Mahawa to Omanthai begin January 19 with a target of full service before April 14, including new bridges, signalling upgrades, and a renovated elephant tunnel.