WATCH | Indian Army engineers build 110-ft Bailey Bridge in Jammu within ‘12 hours’
Jammu: In a remarkable demonstration of skill and determination, the Indian Army's Tiger Division restored connectivity across the flooded Tawi River in Jammu, reconstructing a critical bridge in just twelve hours despite challenging conditions.
The eastern span of Tawi Bridge No 4, vital for local communities and military operations, was badly damaged by the relentless monsoon floods that struck the region earlier this week.
This achievement not only uplifts local morale but also highlights India’s self-reliance in disaster response.
According to an official post of Indian Army on X (formerly Twitter), engineers from the Tiger Division swiftly deployed a 110-foot Bailey Bridge to revive the structure.
“Severely damaged by floods, the eastern span of Jammu’s vital Tawi Bridge No.4 was revived, as Engineers of #TigerDivision laid a 110-ft Bailey Bridge in just 12 hours—overcoming washed-out approaches & limited workspace, restoring vehicular movement under challenging conditions”, said the Army.
Despite washed-out approaches, limited working space, and ongoing adverse weather, the team worked round-the-clock to resume vehicular movement without delay.
The rapid repair prevented villages from being cut off and ensured uninterrupted delivery of essential supplies, emphasising the Army’s crucial role during emergencies.
The Tawi River, which flows through Jammu city, swelled due to torrential rainfall, leading to widespread flooding that submerged low-lying areas, displaced hundreds of residents, and caused significant infrastructure damage.
The bridge No 4, part of the strategic Jammu-Srinagar highway network, serves as a key artery for civilian traffic, tourism, and defence operations in the sensitive Jammu and Kashmir region.
Its collapse could have hampered relief efforts and economic activities, but the Army's prompt action averted a prolonged crisis.
A spokesperson for the Tiger Division highlighted the challenges; that their sappers battled against time and terrain, using modular “Bailey components to bridge the gap efficiently".
Bailey Bridges, known for their portability and strength, have been staple in military engineering since World War-II, proving invaluable in India's rugged landscapes.
Local residents expressed gratitude, with all praises that Army is their saviour in times like these.
The operation aligns with the Indian Army's broader mandate in civil assistance, often stepping in during natural calamities like the 2014 Kashmir floods or recent Uttarakhand disasters. The Indian Army's ingenuity in crisis reaffirms its commitment to national security and public welfare.
IANS