Sukhoi fighter jet tyres shift from 280 kmph to 1.4 kmph for Lord Jagannath’s chariot in Kolkata | VIDEO

Kolkata’s ISKCON Rath Yatra, set to begin on June 27, will witness a unique engineering blend as Lord Jagannath’s chariot receives a new set of wheels—tyres originally designed for Russia’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. The switch comes after 48 years of using Boeing 747 tyres, which have become difficult to source following the aircraft’s global phase-out.

The ageing tyres, weighing 110kg each, had served the chariot for decades. However, a steering malfunction during last year’s Yatra prompted organisers to seek a safer and more durable alternative. After a long search, they zeroed in on Sukhoi tyres, which share the same 4-foot diameter as the discontinued Boeing ones.

From airfields to Rath roads

Manufactured by MRF in India, Sukhoi jet tyres are built to withstand high-speed military aircraft take-offs—up to 280 kmph. ISKCON officials approached the tyre company, which initially expressed surprise at the unusual request. Once the purpose was explained, the company sent a team to inspect the chariot and approved the sale of four tyres.

Minor structural adjustments were made to the wheel drums and axle to accommodate the new tyres without disturbing the chariot’s traditional wooden and iron framework. The chariot of Lord Balaram had already transitioned to iron wheels earlier.

Safer and smoother ride expected

The Sukhoi tyres are expected to improve manoeuvrability, reduce strain on devotees pulling the chariot, and ensure greater stability over Kolkata’s uneven roads, including tram-lined routes. Despite the military-grade strength, the chariot will move at a ceremonial pace of 1.4 kmph.

Tyre fitting is underway and will be completed by mid-June, ahead of the grand procession.