Following the recent disaster in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah, several foreign nations extended various forms of assistance to the country. India continues to be at the forefront of supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery operations as well, through Operation Sagar Bandhu. As part of the relief assistance, the Indian government provided Bailey bridge components required to restore connectivity in disaster-affected areas.
Against this backdrop, a set of images circulating on social media claimed that India transported these bridge parts to Sri Lanka by helicopter. Let’s look at the viral images first.
Social Media Posts:
A Facebook post alongside a video clip showed that a CH-47 Chinook helicopter was carrying a bridge unit and stated that the scene depicted one of the ten bridges, each measuring up to 110 feet, being airlifted to Sri Lanka as a donation from India.
Videos and images of similar scenes garnered significant public attention across various social media platforms.
Many users were led to believe that the pictures were genuine depictions of bridge units being lowered to the ground, and several of our readers requested verification of these images and claims.
Explainer
Mainstream media confirmed that India had indeed supplied Bailey bridge units to Sri Lanka to support rapid infrastructure restoration. However, we found no evidence that these components were transported in the manner shown in the viral images.
According to an official statement from the Presidential Media Division, an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka on the 4th, carrying Bailey bridge material and a specialist engineering team. These bridge units can be deployed as needed and include components for a 110-foot double-lane Bailey bridge suitable for immediate installation in affected locations. The Presidential Media Division stated the facts as seen here.
Importantly, the bridge units arrived inside the C-17 aircraft, not suspended externally from a helicopter as suggested in the viral photos.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka also published verified photographs showing how the materials were actually packed and transported in the aircraft, confirming the authenticity of the official version. Facebook | Archived Link
Indian High Commission (Sri Lanka):
When contacted, the head of the Press, Information & Culture Division of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated that two C-17 aircraft had already delivered around 130 tonnes of Bailey bridge components, and another aircraft was expected. The total span of the bridges supplied amounts to approximately 230 feet. These materials will be used to repair damaged bridges across the country.
The Indian High Commission explained in a press release that the quick setup of Bailey bridges aims to reconnect places where roads are blocked, and even though these bridges are temporary, they are strong enough to work until a new bridge is built.
Sri Lanka Air Force Media Spokesperson:
Group Captain Eranda Geeganage confirmed that the bridge components from India are genuine but said the viral images are false. The Indian engineering team has already assessed the damaged Iranavila bridge and begun repair work.
Ministry of Defence Spokesperson:
Brigadier S. Joseph stated that while the information about receiving bridges from India is accurate, the images circulated on social media are not authentic.
Boeing CH-47 Chinook
The image shared online shows a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter, a model capable of carrying 10–12 tonnes of cargo using an external sling-load system. Although Chinooks can transport modular bridge components, India did not use helicopters for this mission, as confirmed by the Indian Commission in Colombo.
India airlifted the Bailey bridges to Sri Lanka using the C-17 Globemaster III, a heavy-lift cargo aircraft capable of carrying up to 77 tonnes. This is the most common and efficient way to deploy engineering equipment internationally. Further information on the project can be found here.
Ministry of Transport
The Ministry told us that Sri Lanka requires around 1,500 feet of Bailey bridges to restore connectivity, while only about 400 feet are currently available locally. The rest will be sourced from foreign countries, including India. The Ministry also added that although Bailey bridges are temporary, they function effectively until permanent structures are rebuilt.
Bailey Bridges
Bailey bridges are modular steel bridges used as temporary replacements when permanent bridges collapse due to floods, earthquakes, or other disasters. They can be assembled within hours and provide quick access for relief and reconstruction. Despite being designed for temporary use, they can last for years if properly maintained. Bailey bridges were used after the 2004 tsunami devastation, also in Sri Lanka.
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Title:India Sends Bailey Bridge Units using the C-17 aircraft, not helicopters!
Fact Check By: Pavithra SandamaliResult: False
