A 120-foot Bailey Bridge on the B-492 Kandy–Ragala Road was inaugurated today under India’s USD 450 million reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance to Sri Lanka, aimed at restoring connectivity in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
The bridge was jointly opened by India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, and Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweera Arachchi. The project restores a key transport link in the Central Province, improving access for passengers, essential goods transportation, and local economic activity.
This marks the second Bailey Bridge constructed on the Kandy–Ragala Road under India’s post-Ditwah reconstruction programme. The first, a 100-foot bridge at KM-21, was inaugurated on January 10 by the Indian High Commissioner along with Deputy Ministers Prasanna Gunasena and Madhura Senevirathna.
The bridges are part of India’s broader assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage to road networks due to landslides and bridge collapses, particularly in hilly regions. The reconstruction work is being carried out in coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority.
The Indian High Commission said additional Bailey bridges are scheduled to be constructed in the coming weeks as part of the next phase, to ensure full restoration of connectivity in affected areas. (Newswire)
