Pontoon Bridge: Centuries-old Sustainable Engineering Marvel

Pontoon bridges are the lifeline of the Maha Kumbh Mela, seamlessly connecting the Sangam and the sprawling akhada area. There are 30 such structures and constructing them took over a year. These bridges will be dismantled after the event ends on 26 February and stored for future use, highlighting their sustainable design.

The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh, which attracts crores of pilgrims, depends immensely on these bridges, as they facilitate the passage of pilgrims, akhadas, chariots, vehicles, elephants, and sadhus at the world's largest spiritual gathering.

Pontoon bridges have evolved over centuries from simple floating structures to secure and robust engineering marvels. Their origin goes back to the 6th century BC when a Persian King constructed them to invade Greece. India employed the concept while building the old Howrah Bridge in 1874.

As crores gather in Prayagraj, the pontoon bridges showcase a unique blend of ancient and modern engineering.