Pipa Bridges: The Backbone Of Maha Kumbh 2025

The temporary pipa bridges are crucial to the grand arrangements of the Maha Kumbh, serving as vital links between the Sangam and Akhada areas during the massive event.

The administration has divided the sprawling 40-square-kilometer Mela area into 25 sectors.

These pipa bridges are an integral part of the Maha Kumbh, providing a low-maintenance solution for managing the vast crowds.

However, their operation requires constant monitoring to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees 24/7.

Construction Process Of Pipa Bridges

Engineer Alok Kumar from the Public Works Department explained that the pipa bridges are temporary structures built with large hollow iron containers (pontoons) floating on the water’s surface.

Locally, they are commonly referred to as ‘pipe ka pul’ in Prayagraj.

These bridges have been constructed to facilitate movement not only for the public but also for the grand entry of 13 Akhadas, chariots, elephants, horses, and over 1,000 vehicles during the Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh.

According to Kumar, he was entrusted with this significant task in August 2023.

Largest Pipa Bridge Project In History

To construct 30 pipa bridges for the Maha Kumbh, 2,213 pontoons were used – the largest number ever. Over 1,000 workers, engineers, and officials worked tirelessly, often for 14 hours a day.

The construction of these bridges was completed by October 2024 and subsequently handed over to the Mela administration.

The construction of 30 pipa bridges over the Ganga River for the Maha Kumbh is the largest such project to date. After the fair concludes, these bridges will be dismantled and stored for future use at other locations.

The hollow pontoons, made of strong iron sheets, are lowered into the river using cranes. Girder beams are placed on these pontoons and secured with nuts and bolts.

Hydraulic machines are employed to position the pontoons accurately. Next, thick wooden planks, sandy soil, and iron angles are added to stabilize the bridges further.

Finally, checker plates are laid on the bridge surface to ensure durability for the movement of pilgrims and vehicles. Each pontoon weighs about 5 tons yet floats on water.

The secret lies in Archimedes’ principle. PWD engineer Alok Kumar explained, “When an object is submerged in water, it experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the water displaced by it. This principle helps the heavy pontoons float.”

The design of the bridges allows them to withstand up to 5 tons of weight.

If the weight exceeds this limit, the bridge risks being damaged or sinking. Therefore, effective crowd management on the bridges is crucial.

The construction of the 30 pipa bridges has cost Rs 17.31 crore.

The bridge from Nagvasuki Temple to Jhoosi is the most expensive, costing Rs 1.13 crore, while the cost of the Gangeshwar and Bharadwaj bridges ranged between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 89 lakh.

Ancient Technology With Modern Applications

The technology of pipa bridges is over 2,500 years old. They were first used in 480 BC by Persian King Xerxes I during his invasion of Greece. Similar bridges were also used during the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC) in China.

In India, the first pipa bridge 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.

However, it was damaged by a cyclone and eventually dismantled in 1943, making way for the famous Howrah Bridge.

After the Maha Kumbh 2025, these bridges will be disassembled and stored in safe locations.

According to officials, some of the bridges will be stored in Sarainayat (Kenihar), Trivenipuram, and Parade Ground in Prayagraj. Others may be reused as temporary bridges in various districts of Uttar Pradesh.

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