Prayagraj Mahakumbh:
Rising with the might of 4500 tons of steel and iron, and a thousand steel pillars, stands this magnificent steel bridge over the Ganga River in Prayagraj. Built at a staggering cost of 600 million, this bridge supports vehicles up to 150 tons and is destined to serve merely for 60 days, crafted especially for the Mahakumbh festival. A 4-kilometer-long approach road is being constructed to connect the bridge to the city.
The 426-meter-long bridge runs parallel to an under-construction six-lane bridge on the Ganga. Controversy arises as to why a new bridge is necessary when a bridge is already being built at Fafamau.
Let's delve into the full story...
Source: aajtak
On November 26, 2020, the construction of a new marvel of a 10-kilometer long, six-lane bridge—the nation's second largest—commenced. This bridge, set to span the Ganga River from Malaka to the bustling Tripathi Square, was set to use cutting-edge German cable and box technology. Initially projected at 980.77 crore INR, the 9.9-kilometer-long bridge has faced delays, prompting the need for a temporary solution.
With the 2025 Mahakumbh approaching and the existing 50-year-old bridge's deteriorating condition posing challenges, a decision was made to temporarily erect the steel bridge. Despite the urgency, construction is nearing completion, with inauguration expected within a week after a recent inspection by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who urged expedited completion.
Ground Report from the Steel Bridge Site
'Aajtak' team visited the site to witness the flurry of activity. Two massive cranes dominate the scene, strategically placing hefty steel angles. Approximately 100 workers are engaged diligently, with 10 workers focused specifically on welding tasks.
Source: aajtak
The team constructing the bridge is working tirelessly, as explained by workers involved in the project. Engineers ensure that during its brief operational period, the bridge will stand strong. SP Singla Construction Company, also responsible for the delayed ten-kilometer six-lane bridge, oversees this temporary bridge construction. Expected completion is a mere 3-4 days away, with 98% of work already done.
Source: aajtak
The bridge engineering team detailed the 4500-ton, 16-meter-wide structure's meticulous development. Following Kumbh’s conclusion, the bridge will be dismantled. Decisions on repurposing the 4500 tons of iron are pending discussions between the government and SP Singla.
Source: aajtak
The company acknowledges that constructing the steel bridge in the wake of delays in the six-lane bridge was imperative but also beneficial, providing extensive parking near the bridge site. Vehicles from Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Western UP will find this a convenient parking space, accommodating up to 150,000 vehicles simultaneously. The park will ensure hassle-free pedestrian access for pilgrims during significant ritual days, preventing the notorious jams that previously plagued the area near Fafamau bridge.
Ultimately, this steel bridge is a unique, time-bound project. Typically, only military expeditions witness such rapid construction. In an unprecedented move for Uttar Pradesh, this structure will exist for just two months before its removal. Meanwhile, hopes remain high for the completion of the adjacent six-lane bridge, soon to be open to the public.
