The Indian Army has successfully constructed a 190-foot-long Bailey bridge in Wayanad district, Kerala, to restore connectivity between severely affected regions following devastating landslides.The bridge links Chooralmala and Mundakkai over the Iruvazhinjipuzha river, areas that were cut off after natural disaster struck on July 30.

The construction was undertaken by the Madras Engineering Group of the Indian Army and was completed in an exceptionally short time, beginning at 9:30 p.m.on July 31 and concluding by 5:30 p.m.on August 1.

The newly built Class 24 Bailey bridge has a load-bearing capacity of 24 tonnes, making it suitable for the movement of essential vehicles including medical and rescue units, as well as military logistics.After completion, Major General V.T.

Mathew, General Officer Commanding of the Kerala and Karnataka Sub-Area, formally crossed the bridge in an official vehicle, marking its operational readiness before handing it over to the civil administration.

The bridge became crucial after earlier connectivity structures, including temporary wooden bridges erected by rescue teams, were washed away due to continued heavy rainfall.To expedite construction, materials were transported from Delhi and Bengaluru to Kannur airport and then moved to Wayanad using multiple trucks.

The Army’s rapid engineering response ensured that relief and movement in the disaster-hit region could resume quickly, highlighting the role of military support in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.