On the afternoon of June 15, 2025, a tragedy unfolded in Pune’s Maval taluka as an aging iron bridge spanning the Indrayani River collapsed under the weight of a bustling crowd, claiming at least four lives and injuring dozens. Located near Kundmala village, a popular tourist spot known for its scenic waterfall and natural sinkholes, the bridge was a vital crossing for locals and a magnet for weekend visitors. The disaster, occurring around 4:00 PM, sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, raising urgent questions about infrastructure safety and crowd management in tourist-heavy areas during the monsoon season.
A Day of Joy Turned to Tragedy
The Kundmala area, roughly 30 kilometers from Pune, is a well-known getaway for city dwellers and tourists seeking respite in its gorges and rock formations. On this Sunday, with the monsoon in full swing, the Indrayani River was swollen, its fast-moving waters drawing hundreds to the bridge for photographs and to marvel at the flooded landscape. Eyewitnesses reported a festive atmosphere, with families, young couples, and groups of friends crowding the narrow, 30-year-old iron structure. Estimates suggest 100 to 125 people were on the bridge at the time of its collapse, far exceeding its capacity.
“It was chaotic,” recounted Anil Shinde, a survivor who spoke to local media. “The road was jammed with vehicles, and everyone was pushing to get a better view. Suddenly, we heard a loud creak, and the bridge just gave way.” The structure, built primarily for farmers’ use decades ago, buckled under the strain, plunging dozens into the turbulent waters below. While some managed to swim to safety, others were swept away by the current or trapped under debris.
The Collapse and Immediate Response
The bridge, described as dilapidated by officials, was not designed to handle such heavy foot traffic. Recent heavy rainfall had likely weakened its already rusty framework, though no rain was reported at the exact time of the collapse. The incident occurred under an orange alert for monsoon rains, which had intensified safety concerns in the region. Earlier that month, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi had issued prohibitory orders restricting access to water bodies due to dangerous conditions, but enforcement appeared lax at Kundmala.
Rescue operations were launched swiftly, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Pimpri-Chinchwad police mobilizing within an hour. Two NDRF teams, equipped with divers and inflatable rafts, scoured the river for survivors and bodies. By late evening, 38 people had been rescued, with six to seven critically injured individuals rushed to nearby hospitals. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, monitoring the situation closely, confirmed that two bodies were recovered initially, with the death toll rising to four by the following day. “The rescue operation is ongoing on a war footing,” stated Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, noting the possibility of additional victims trapped under debris.
Official Actions and Public Outcry
The Maharashtra government responded with a compensation package of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and pledged to cover medical costs for the injured, estimated at 32 to 51 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while on a diplomatic visit to Cyprus, spoke with Fadnavis to ensure all possible assistance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the NDRF’s prompt response, which saved several lives. However, the tragedy sparked widespread criticism over neglected infrastructure and inadequate safety measures.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey questioned the lack of barricades or crowd control, asking, “Why wasn’t the bridge secured? Was this a conspiracy to endanger lives?” Local MLA Sunil Shelke noted that the bridge, constructed for agricultural purposes, was ill-equipped for tourist traffic. Social media posts on X echoed public frustration, with one user writing, “Another preventable tragedy in Pune. Old bridges, no maintenance, and no crowd management—when will we learn?” Others pointed to the district’s failure to enforce safety orders, with hashtags like #PuneBridgeCollapse trending.
A Broader Context of Infrastructure Woes
The Kundmala bridge collapse is not an isolated incident. India has faced recurring bridge failures, with a notable example in Morbi, Gujarat, in 2022, where a 143-year-old suspension bridge collapsed, killing 134 people. In Bihar, 12 bridges reportedly failed in the three weeks prior to June 2025, highlighting systemic issues in infrastructure maintenance. In Pune, the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass has been a notorious accident hotspot, with 56 deaths over seven years due to poor road and bridge conditions.
The Kundmala bridge, described as a relic from a bygone era, had not undergone significant repairs despite its age and visible rust. Locals had long raised concerns about its stability, but calls for action went unheeded. The incident has reignited debates over the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state agencies’ roles in maintaining aging infrastructure, especially in tourist-heavy regions where footfalls spike during weekends and monsoons.
Voices from the Ground
For those affected, the tragedy was deeply personal. Families mourned loved ones lost to the river’s currents, while survivors grappled with trauma. “I held onto a rock until someone pulled me out,” said Priya Kale, a 24-year-old who escaped with minor injuries. “But I saw others disappear in the water. It happened so fast.” Another survivor, speaking from a hospital bed, described the crowd’s excitement turning to panic as the bridge tilted and collapsed.
The disaster has also cast a shadow over Pune’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. Kundmala’s natural beauty, while a draw, now serves as a grim reminder of the risks posed by inadequate infrastructure. As rescue operations wound down on June 16, with the NDRF calling off active searches, the focus shifted to accountability and prevention.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Demands
The Pune bridge collapse underscores the urgent need for stricter infrastructure oversight, regular maintenance checks, and robust crowd management at tourist sites. The state government has promised an inquiry into the incident, with preliminary reports pointing to overloading and structural decay as primary causes. However, public trust remains shaken, with calls for transparency and swift action growing louder.
As Maharashtra mourns, the tragedy serves as a stark warning to other states. With India’s tourism sector booming, ensuring the safety of visitors at popular destinations is paramount. For now, the Kundmala bridge lies in ruins, a symbol of neglect and a call to action for a nation grappling with the cost of overlooked infrastructure.
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Last Updated on: Monday, June 30, 2025 6:15 pm by Shashivardhan Reddy | Published by: Shashivardhan Reddy on Monday, June 16, 2025 5:29 pm | News Categories: News
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