New Delhi
As Sri Lanka continues its recovery following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Indian Army and Indian Navy have transported ten additional extra-wide Bailey Bridges to the island nation under Operation Sagarbandhu, reinforcing India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
In a post shared on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army said the bridges were transported aboard INS Gharial in close coordination with the Indian Navy and Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers (GRSE).
“In a strong demonstration of military-civil synergy, the Indian Army and Indian Navy, in partnership with Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers, transported 10 additional extra-wide bridges to Sri Lanka aboard INS Gharial under Operation Sagarbandhu,” the post stated.
#OperationSagarBandhu
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 6, 2026
#HADR
In a strong demonstration of Military-Civil synergy, the Indian Army and Indian Navy, in partnership with Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers, transported 10 additional extra-wide bridges to Sri Lanka aboard INS Gharial under Operation Sagarbandhu.… pic.twitter.com/ETptPCRYi5
According to the Army, its engineering teams are working closely with the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority to carry out detailed assessments of seven severely damaged bridge sites across the Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. Additional extra-wide Bailey Bridges are planned to be launched at these locations to restore critical road connectivity disrupted by the cyclone.
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka late last year, caused extensive flooding and landslides, resulting in widespread damage to infrastructure and placing significant strain on local disaster-response systems.
Earlier, in January, the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force successfully completed the construction of a 120-foot-long Bailey Bridge at KM-15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. The bridge restored a vital link between the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, which had remained cut off for more than a month after the cyclone.
This achievement followed the earlier launch of two Bailey Bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions. Collectively, these engineering interventions have helped restore road access, improved the delivery of essential services, and provided relief to communities affected by the natural disaster.
Launched in November 2025, Operation Sagarbandhu facilitates India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka, focusing on the restoration of roads, bridges and essential services. The swift re-establishment of connectivity has not only eased daily life for affected residents but has also strengthened bilateral cooperation and goodwill between the two countries.
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The initiative underscores India’s commitment to Sri Lanka under its Neighbourhood First policy, which prioritises cooperative, people-centric and outcome-oriented engagement with neighbouring countries to promote regional stability, connectivity and development.
