Jobaaj Stories
At the Maha Kumbh, pontoon bridges, inspired by a 2,500-year-old Persian technique, have become an essential part of the event's infrastructure. These floating bridges connect the Sangam (the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati rivers) and the 4,000-hectare akhada areas, which house religious and spiritual camps for sadhus and pilgrims.
Over 1,000 workers spent more than 10 hours a day for over a year to build these 30 massive pontoon bridges. The project is considered one of the largest of its kind, using more than 2,200 black floating iron capsules, each weighing five tonnes. Each bridge can hold up to five tonnes, allowing easy movement for vehicles, pilgrims, sadhus, and workers.
These bridges play a vital role in ensuring smooth transportation across the vast grounds of the Maha Kumbh, which is one of the world’s largest cultural and spiritual gatherings. According to Vivek Chaturvedi, the Additional District Magistrate, these bridges are crucial for connecting the Sangam with the akhada areas, helping thousands of people safely navigate the event.
