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.

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