The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, under the Eastern Command, has completed the construction of a 61-metre Bailey Bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia in West Bengal, restoring the critical Siliguri–Mirik road connectivity within 20 days.
The bridge was constructed following a requisition from the Government of West Bengal after disruption to the vital route, which serves as an important transport corridor for North Bengal.
Built under challenging weather conditions and on a war footing, the project showcased the Indian Army’s engineering capabilities, enabling the rapid restoration of connectivity for local communities, emergency services, tourists, and the movement of essential supplies.
The newly constructed Bailey Bridge is expected to significantly improve access between Siliguri and Mirik while enhancing mobility across the region, particularly during the monsoon season when infrastructure remains vulnerable to weather-related disruptions.
The operation highlights the Indian Army’s ability to provide timely engineering assistance in support of civil authorities during emergencies. Through its expertise in rapid bridge construction and disaster response, the Army continues to play a key role in restoring critical infrastructure and maintaining essential connectivity in remote and strategically important areas.
The successful completion of the project also underscores the growing emphasis on military-civil cooperation, demonstrating the Indian Army’s commitment to supporting national infrastructure resilience and assisting state authorities in times of need.
