A 120-foot Bailey Bridge on the B-492 Kandy–Ragala Road was inaugurated today as part of 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 MP Manjula Suraweera Arachchi. The project restores a vital transport link in the Central Province, improving access for passengers, essential goods, and local economic activities.
This is 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 significant damage to road networks due to landslides and bridge collapses, especially in hilly areas. The reconstruction work is being carried out in coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority.
The Indian High Commission stated that 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.
