The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
Under its Neighbourhood First policy, India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by cyclone Ditwah, according to an official statement.
As part of the mission, an Engineer Task Force of 48 Indian Army personnel has been airlifted to Sri Lanka to deliver critical engineering support. Their primary objective is to restore key communication lines by repairing and rebuilding damaged roads and bridges.
The team includes bridging specialists, surveyors, watermanship experts, and personnel trained to operate heavy earth-moving machinery, drones and unmanned systems—ensuring precise and efficient engineering responses.
The task force has transported four sets of Bailey bridges aboard Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft to help re-establish disrupted connectivity. They are also equipped with pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO bags, and advanced tools such as heavy-payload drones and remote-controlled boats.
Fully prepared for a broad spectrum of engineering tasks, the unit can support rescue and relief efforts and construct essential infrastructure including shelters, roads and bridges.
Working in coordination with the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority, the team has assessed several damaged bridge sites needing immediate restoration. Given the urgency, repair work has already begun at the Kilinochchi Bridge, where a modular Bailey bridge tailored to the site’s needs is being installed to restore vital connectivity.
