Pontoon Bridges Enhance Maha Kumbh Connectivity
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Pontoon Bridges Enhance Maha Kumbh Connectivity

Drawing inspiration from a 2,500-year-old Persian engineering technique, pontoon bridges have become essential to linking the Sangam with the 4,000-hectare akhada zones, connecting 25 distinct sectors during the Maha Kumbh. Over 1,000 workers toiled for over a year, often working 10-hour shifts, to build the pontoons that form 30 bridges – a project considered the largest of its kind.

These bridges, constructed with over 2,200 black floating iron capsules weighing five tonnes each, facilitate the movement of pilgrims, sadhus, workers, and vehicles during the world’s largest spiritual gathering. Each bridge is designed to support up to five tonnes.

According to Mahakumbh Nagar's Additional District Magistrate, Vivek Chaturvedi, these pontoon bridges are integral to managing the massive crowds attending the event. "They provide a low-maintenance solution for the vast number of people. We continuously monitor their operation through CCTV cameras to ensure safety and the smooth flow of devotees," Chaturvedi explained.

Before being approved for use, each bridge underwent rigorous testing to ensure it could handle large numbers of people. Historically, pontoon bridges date back to 480 BC when Persian King Xerxes I used them in his invasion of Greece, and later by China’s Zhou dynasty.

In India, the first pipa bridge, designed by British engineer Sir Bradford Leslie, was built in 1874 over the Hooghly River. Although it was dismantled in 1943 due to cyclone damage, the Howrah Bridge was constructed in its place.

The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, commenced on January 13 and will run for 45 days. Over seven crore pilgrims have already bathed at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet.

Alok Kumar, an engineer, explained that pipa bridges are temporary structures with hollow iron pontoons that float on water, serving both public and ceremonial purposes during events like the Amrit Snan.

Drawing inspiration from a 2,500-year-old Persian engineering technique, pontoon bridges have become essential to linking the Sangam with the 4,000-hectare akhada zones, connecting 25 distinct sectors during the Maha Kumbh. Over 1,000 workers toiled for over a year, often working 10-hour shifts, to build the pontoons that form 30 bridges – a project considered the largest of its kind. These bridges, constructed with over 2,200 black floating iron capsules weighing five tonnes each, facilitate the movement of pilgrims, sadhus, workers, and vehicles during the world’s largest spiritual gathering. Each bridge is designed to support up to five tonnes. According to Mahakumbh Nagar's Additional District Magistrate, Vivek Chaturvedi, these pontoon bridges are integral to managing the massive crowds attending the event. They provide a low-maintenance solution for the vast number of people. We continuously monitor their operation through CCTV cameras to ensure safety and the smooth flow of devotees, Chaturvedi explained. Before being approved for use, each bridge underwent rigorous testing to ensure it could handle large numbers of people. Historically, pontoon bridges date back to 480 BC when Persian King Xerxes I used them in his invasion of Greece, and later by China’s Zhou dynasty. In India, the first pipa bridge, designed by British engineer Sir Bradford Leslie, was built in 1874 over the Hooghly River. Although it was dismantled in 1943 due to cyclone damage, the Howrah Bridge was constructed in its place. The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, commenced on January 13 and will run for 45 days. Over seven crore pilgrims have already bathed at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Alok Kumar, an engineer, explained that pipa bridges are temporary structures with hollow iron pontoons that float on water, serving both public and ceremonial purposes during events like the Amrit Snan.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Next Story
Real Estate

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?