Grand event organized in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Mahakumbh 2025 Attracting the attention of the whole world. The state government and administration have made extensive preparations to make it grand and divine. Spread over 4,000 hectares, this Maha Kumbh Mela is divided into 25 sectors, and connecting these sectors pontoon bridge Playing an important role. Everyone has questions in their mind regarding the construction, use and future of these bridges. Let us know the story of these bridges in detail.
What are barrel bridges?
pontoon bridgewhich in technical language pontoon bridge These are said to be temporary bridges which rest on large hollow iron containers (pontoons). These bridges are built to connect the Sangam and Akhara areas during the Mahakumbh.
Features of pontoon bridge:
- Swimming Ability: These bridges float on the surface of water, making them wonderful examples of floating structures.
- Strength and load bearing capacity: These bridges are capable of bearing the weight of heavy crowds, vehicles, chariots, horses and even elephants.
- Combination of iron and wood: The bridges are made of iron pontoons, girders, thick wooden strips and iron angles, which make them strong and durable.
What will happen to them after Mahakumbh?
It is not practical to keep these bridges in the fair area after the Mahakumbh is over.
What is their use?
- Disintegration and storage:
After the fair is over, these bridges are dismantled and divided into different parts. These are kept safe at places like Sarayanayat (Kanihar), Trivenipuram and Parade Ground.
- Reuse in future events:
Some bridges will be used in the upcoming Ardh Kumbh.
- Usage in other districts:
These can be used as temporary bridges in other districts of Uttar Pradesh.
How are barrel bridges made?
Construction of these bridges for a huge event like Maha Kumbh is a very complex and time consuming process.
Manufacturing Process:
- Start and time limit:
Construction work began in August 2023 and took approximately 15 months to complete.
- Pontoon deployment:
- 2,213 pontoons (large hollow containers) were used in the construction of 30 bridges.
- These pontoons were lowered into the river with the help of cranes.
- Preparing the Framework:
- The parts of the bridge were connected with iron girders and nuts and bolts.
- The bridge was fitted into place using hydraulic machines.
- Surface Strengthening:
- Thick wooden strips, sandy soil and iron angles were used.
- Checkered plates were installed on the walking surface so that devotees and vehicles could pass easily.
How many people worked?
More than 1,000 labourers, engineers and officials were engaged in this project. They worked 14 hours a day, so that the construction of the bridges could be completed by October 2024.
Barrel bridge and Archimedes’ principle
The floating ability of these bridges is based on Archimedes’ principle.
How do pontoons float?
- A pontoon weighs approximately 5 tonnes.
- It floats in water because it can support a weight equal to the water it displaces.
- This principle helps in keeping the entire bridge stable on water.
Weight bearing capacity:
- A pontoon can support a weight of up to 5 tonnes.
- The entire structure has been designed to handle the pressure of heavy crowd and vehicles.
Barrel Bridge: Lifeline of Mahakumbh
In a huge event like Mahakumbh, these bridges act as a lifeline for both the devotees and the administration.
Importance:
- To ensure smooth movement of devotees.
- Connecting Sangam and other major places.
- Controlling the pressure of huge crowd.
