After the Indrayani river bridge collapse killed four, the Pune Collector ordered demolition of unsafe village bridges and audits of old city structures. A six-member committee will investigate the tragedy.
Pune | June 17, 2025: In the aftermath of the tragic collapse of the iron footbridge over the Indrayani River at Kundmala in Pune’s Maval taluka on Sunday, which claimed four lives and swept away over 40 tourists before they were rescued, the Pune District Administration has swung into decisive action.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has announced a district-wide crackdown on unsafe small bridges. He has ordered the demolition of all structurally dangerous pedestrian and village-connecting bridges across rural parts of Pune district. In addition, various government departments have been instructed to submit their structural audit reports without delay.
The collapse occurred during Varsha Vihara festivities, when people had gathered on the closed bridge despite warnings. The sudden failure of the iron structure has reignited concerns over aging, unattended bridges in both rural and urban areas of Pune district.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in response, has also revived its structural audit drive for old bridges, causeways, and culverts. Though earlier audits were initiated, progress had stalled due to delays in appointing expert consultants. Now, PMC has floated fresh tenders to restart the audit work.
So far, the PMC had completed audits of 98 major bridges, identifying 38 for repairs. While 11 bridges have been fixed, audits of 62 bridges and around 438 culverts remain pending. These bridges span the Mula and Mutha rivers, as well as numerous local nallahs and stormwater drains.
To probe the Kundmala accident in depth, a six-member inquiry committee has been formed under direct orders of the District Collector. The panel includes:
- Additional District Collector
- Deputy Conservator of Forests
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Pimpri-Chinchwad
- Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department
- Superintending Engineer, Irrigation Department
- Resident Deputy Collector
The committee has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within 15 days, which will determine accountability and recommend corrective action.
The tragic collapse has exposed serious vulnerabilities in the district’s bridge infrastructure. As monsoon rains intensify, citizens and authorities alike are hoping these measures are not too little, too late.
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