30 Floating Pontoon Bridges at Maha Kumbh Provide Vital Infrastructure Using Ancient Persian Technique
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a colossal religious event held every 12 years in Prayagraj, is an extraordinary spectacle, drawing millions of pilgrims to take part in sacred rituals at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Among the logistical feats supporting this immense gathering is the construction of 30 pontoon bridges, or pipa bridges, which have been hailed as some of the largest floating bridges ever built.
Inspired by a 2,500-year-old Persian technique, these bridges provide vital connections between the Sangam and the sprawling akhada areas, facilitating the smooth movement of pilgrims, workers, sadhus, and even large ceremonial processions. The process of constructing these floating marvels is nothing short of impressive. Over 2,200 black iron pontoons, each weighing five tonnes, have been used to create these bridges, which are designed to withstand up to five tonnes of weight. More than 1,000 workers laboured relentlessly for over a year to bring the project to life, often working 10 to 14 hours a day. Their efforts resulted in a network of bridges that spans the Ganga, enabling large crowds to cross with ease and helping maintain order during the mega event. The design, a testament to ancient engineering principles, draws on Archimedes’ principle, allowing the heavy pontoons to float by displacing water and creating an upward force equal to their weight.
Each of these bridges has been rigorously tested to ensure its safety, with constant monitoring through CCTV cameras linked to an Integrated Command and Control Centre. Mahakumbh Nagar Additional District Magistrate Vivek Chaturvedi explained that these bridges play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficient movement of the millions attending the Kumbh, making them an integral part of the event’s infrastructure. “These structures provide a low-maintenance solution, offering the required support for the vast crowds,” he said. The history of pontoon bridges dates back to ancient civilisations, including the Persian King Xerxes I, who used them during his invasion of Greece in 480 BC. In India, the first pipa bridge was built in 1874 over the Hooghly River, but the current Maha Kumbh project eclipses all previous efforts in scale and complexity. The design of these bridges allows for the passage of both people and heavy vehicles, such as elephants, horses, and chariots, especially during the grand Amrit Snan event.
The cost of constructing the 30 bridges amounted to Rs 17.31 crore, with some of the more significant bridges, like the one connecting the Shri Nagvasuki Temple to Jhusi, costing up to Rs 1.13 crore. Following the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh, these bridges will be dismantled and stored for reuse. Some will be repurposed as temporary bridges in other districts across Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that the legacy of this ambitious infrastructure project continues to benefit the region long after the event. In a city teeming with pilgrims, workers, and dignitaries, these pontoon bridges stand as a remarkable feat of engineering, offering a practical solution to the challenges posed by the massive scale of the Maha Kumbh Mela. They are a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient designs, reimagined for modern use, ensuring the smooth flow of people and vehicles, and making the world’s largest spiritual gathering even more accessible.
