India will build 15 Bailey Bridges to through a 450 million dollar cyclone recovery package to reconstruct Sri Lanka’s damaged infrastructure, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.
A 100 foot Bailey Bridge was on the B-492 Highway along the Kandy–Ragala Road, was inaugurated on January 10 by High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha, and Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena.
The bridge was installed by the 19 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army and was begun within three weeks of announcing a 450 million dollar aid package.
“The newly commissioned Bailey Bridge has significantly improved access and mobility for communities in this affected area, particularly in the difficult hilly terrain,” the Indian High Commissions aid.
The re-building is carried out with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority.
India will install another Bailey Bridget along the Kandy Ragala road.
“In the next phase, over 15 additional Bailey Bridges will be constructed over the coming weeks, ensuring comprehensive restoration of connectivity across all affected areas,” the statement said.
“Projects in other areas will also be launched in the coming days.”
India is expected to re-build damaged railway tracks and also provide housing and other areas as required by Sri Lanka.
India has airlifted 228 tonnes of Bailey Bridge components to build four Baily Bridges.