New Delhi: There are many marvellous things to see at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. With the Maha Kumbh Mela going hi-tech, one thing that has caught everyone’s eye is the Pontoon Bridges. These bridges, a 2,500-year-old Persian technique, are a vital link between the Sangam and the 4,000-hectare ‘akhada’ areas, connecting 25 vibrant sectors at the Maha Kumbh.
These pontoon bridges were built by over 1,000 people who worked for a year for at least 10 hours a day to construct pontoons for 30 bridges. This is claimed to be the largest such project to date. In Prayagraj, people commonly refer to these as “pipe ka pul”. In this article, we will look at how pontoon bridges are built.
Maha Kumbh Mela’s Pontoon Bridges: Construction and Engineering
More than 2,200 black floating iron capsules, each weighing at least five tonnes, have been used to build bridges for the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest cultural and spiritual event. These bridges, known as floating marvels, can hold up to five tonnes. They connect the Sangam and akhada areas, according to Mahakumbh Nagar Additional District Magistrate Vivek Chaturvedi. He stated, “Each bridge underwent several tests to ensure safety. They are designed to handle many people at once.”
These bridges also allow for the grand entrance of 13 akhadas, chariots, elephants, horses, and over 1,000 vehicles during the Amrit Snan.
To build 30 pipa bridges, 2,213 pontoons were used — the highest number ever. More than 1,000 workers, engineers, and officials worked hard, often for 14 hours a day. The bridge work began in August 2023 and was completed last October. After the Maha Kumbh Mela ends, these bridges will be dismantled and stored for future use in other locations.
Cost of the Pontoon Bridges
The Uttar Pradesh government officials said that building the 30 pipa bridges cost Rs 17.31 crore.
The bridge from the Shri Nagvasuki Temple to Jhusi is the most expensive, costing Rs 1.13 crore. According to a senior government official, the Gangeshwar and Bharadwaj bridges cost between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 89 lakh.
The History and Evolution of Pontoon Bridge Technology
The first pontoon bridges appeared in 480 BC, built by the Persian king Xerxes I during his invasion of Greece. The Zhou dynasty in China used these bridges in the 11th century BC.
The first pipa bridge in India was constructed in October 1874 over the Hooghly River between Howrah and Kolkata. Designed by British engineer Sir Bradford Leslie, it was supported by wooden pontoons. A cyclone damaged this bridge, which was dismantled in 1943 and replaced by the Howrah Bridge.
How are Pontoon Bridges Built?
Using cranes, the builders lowered hollow pontoons made of strong iron sheets into the river. They then placed girder beams on the pontoons and secured them with nuts and bolts. Hydraulic machines positioned the pontoons precisely. Thick wooden planks, sandy soil, and iron angles help stabilize the bridges. Finally, they laid checker plates on the surface to ensure the bridge remained sturdy for pilgrims and vehicles.
Each pontoon weighs about five tonnes but floats due to Archimedes’ principle: an object submerged in water experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the water it displaces. This keeps heavy pontoons afloat. If the weight exceeds the limit, the bridge risks damage or sinking.
Each section of a bridge includes one or more pontoons, which are manoeuvred into position and anchored underwater or on land. Workers connect the pontoons using wooden stringers called balks, covering them with cross planks called chesses to form the road surface. The chesses are held in place with side guard rails.
A floating bridge can be built in sections, starting from an anchored point onshore. Modern pontoon bridges often use pre-fabricated floating structures. Most pontoon bridges are for temporary use, but some, like those over water bodies with stable water levels, can last much longer. For example, the Hobart Bridge in Tasmania was in place for 21 years before being replaced.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj showcases impressive pontoon bridges, a 2,500-year-old Persian engineering feat. Over 1,000 workers constructed 30 bridges using 2,213 pontoons, the largest project of its kind. These “floating marvels”, crucial for connecting the Sangam and akhada areas, withstood rigorous testing to ensure safety for pilgrims and vehicles. The bridges will be dismantled and reused after the Mela. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
