New Delhi: India on Saturday stepped up support for Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone recovery by dispatching a consignment of 10 Bailey bridges to help restore critical connectivity damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, reinforcing its role as a first responder in the region.
The bridges were sent from Visakhapatnam to Colombo aboard INS Gharial, an Indian Navy landing ship, highlighting the close coordination between India’s civilian and defence agencies in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The supply of Bailey Bridges forms part of India’s Special Economic Package of USD450 million announced during External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Sri Lanka. The package is aimed at supporting reconstruction, infrastructure rehabilitation, and long-term economic recovery in the island nation.
In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, the Ministry of External Affairs, said: “The supply of bridges is a part of India’s Special Economic Package of USD 450 million announced during the recent visit of EAM @DrSJaishankar to Sri Lanka, after India’s emergency #HADR support through #OperationSagarBandhu.”
The latest consignment marks a shift from emergency response to reconstruction-focused support, particularly in reconnecting remote and damaged areas.
Bailey Bridges are known for their rapid deployment and durability, making them crucial for restoring road links and enabling the movement of essential goods, relief materials, and services in disaster-hit regions.
The assistance underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery and reflects New Delhi’s broader vision of neighbourhood-first cooperation and humanitarian solidarity in the Indian Ocean region.
