India Dispatches First Bailey Bridge Components to Flood-Hit Nepal
70-metre modular bridge aims to restore connectivity in Betrawati after devastating flash floods
KATHMANDU, Sep 13: India has delivered the first consignment of components for a 70-metre Bailey bridge to Nepal as part of efforts to restore road connectivity in the flood affected Betrawati area.
The consignment was handed over to Nepal’s Road Division in Hetauda on Saturday, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said in a post on X. He added that additional consignments carrying bridge components would reach Nepal in the coming days.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said the bridge would help reconnect the Betrawati area, which suffered significant damage during the recent flash floods.
A Bailey bridge is a prefabricated modular steel structure designed for rapid installation. Its components can be assembled relatively quickly and generally do not require heavy construction machinery, making such bridges particularly useful for restoring transportation links after natural disasters.
The latest assistance is part of India’s continuing humanitarian support to Nepal following devastating flash floods that struck northern and central parts of the Himalayan country on August 26. The disaster has claimed nearly 1,400 lives, while more than 5,000 people remained missing as of Sunday.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has so far supplied more than 130 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 specialised personnel to assist Nepal with rescue, relief and forensic operations.
India has also provided specialised equipment for tunnel and mud rescue operations, DNA kits and forensic supplies. Other relief items include temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
The Indian Air Force has conducted at least eight special flights to transport emergency supplies to Nepal. An Indian tunnel-rescue team has also been working alongside the Nepal Army in search operations.
Meanwhile, an Indian forensic team has been assisting Nepali authorities in identifying the remains of people who died in the disaster.
India has reiterated its commitment to supporting Nepal throughout the rescue, relief and recovery process as the neighbouring country works to rebuild infrastructure and restore essential connectivity in flood affected areas.
