Pontoon Bridges Enhance Maha Kumbh Connectivity

23 Jan 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..