On June 15, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Pune, Maharashtra, when a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to 32 others. The collapse took place in the Kundamala area of Maval taluka, a popular tourist destination in western India. The iron bridge, which had been weakened by recent heavy rains, gave way under the weight of the crowd, sending people plunging into the swollen river.
The Incident
The collapse occurred during a peak tourist period, with approximately 20–25 people on the bridge at the time. Eyewitnesses reported that the structure had been shaking for several minutes before it gave way. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities working tirelessly to locate and rescue the victims. As of the latest reports, six individuals have been rescued, and 32 others have sustained injuries, with six in critical condition .
Causes and Concerns
Preliminary investigations suggest that the bridge's structural integrity had been compromised due to prolonged exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance. The iron structure had become rusted, and the river's swollen state further exacerbated the situation. Authorities are also considering the possibility that overcrowding may have contributed to the collapse.
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of infrastructure in India. It highlights the need for regular inspections and timely repairs to prevent such tragedies. The collapse also underscores the importance of adhering to weight limits and ensuring that structures are not overloaded.
Government Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that all necessary measures would be taken to assist the victims and their families. He confirmed that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to prevent similar incidents in the future .
In response to the tragedy, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a review of all old and vulnerable bridges in the city. The PMC had previously undertaken repair and maintenance work on several bridges, including the Sadhu Vaswani Railway Bridge, which had been identified as structurally weak . However, the collapse of the Indrayani River bridge indicates that more comprehensive measures are needed.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the public, with many questioning the authorities' negligence in maintaining critical infrastructure. Residents of Pune have demanded accountability and called for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of public structures.
Political leaders have also weighed in on the issue. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the series of recent transport-related disasters in India, including the Pune bridge collapse. She extended condolences to the victims' families and called for prayers and support .
Moving Forward
The Pune bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of infrastructure safety. It is imperative that authorities take immediate action to assess the condition of all public structures and undertake necessary repairs and upgrades. Regular inspections, timely maintenance, and adherence to safety standards are crucial to prevent such incidents.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate citizens about the importance of infrastructure safety and the role they play in ensuring it. Citizens should be encouraged to report any signs of structural damage or neglect to the relevant authorities.
In conclusion, the collapse of the Indrayani River bridge is a tragic event that highlights the need for urgent reforms in infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. It is essential that lessons are learned from this incident to prevent future tragedies and to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
by Rohit Thakur | 15 jun 2025.
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