The first Bailey Bridge built with India's aid opened on Sunday, January 11, 2026, restoring a key road between Sri Lanka's Central and Uva Provinces. The Indian Army constructed the 100-foot bridge, part of a $450 million Indian assistance package for post-cyclone reconstruction. "Restoring connectivity — the first Bailey Bridge under Indian Assistance Package for Post-Ditwah Reconstruction opened for traffic," said the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. The bridge was inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha alongside Sri Lankan Deputy Ministers Prasanna Gunasena and Madhura Senevirathne. Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in November, causing floods and landslides with over 600 deaths. India announced the aid package during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit, including $350 million in concessional credit and $100 million in grants. On November 28, India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide relief and recovery assistance. Sri Lanka Railways General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said India is also fully assisting the reconstruction of the cyclone-damaged Northern Railway Line from Mahawa Junction to Omanthai. The project will build five new bridges, install a modern light signaling system, and renovate the Ambanpola-Kasikotte elephant tunnel for wildlife safety. Although work was planned to start Sunday, it was postponed to January 19 due to the Thai Pongal festival. The railway line is expected to be fully operational before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14. IRCON International Limited, an Indian engineering company, will carry out the reconstruction. Until then, only essential and office train services will run, with night-time long-distance trains suspended.