On a rainy Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025, a tragedy struck Pune’s Kundmala, a popular tourist spot. An old iron bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed, killing four people and injuring over 30. As families enjoyed the monsoon scenery, the bridge gave way under the weight of around 125 tourists, sending many into the swollen river below. This heartbreaking incident has left India asking: Can we trust our bridges?
A Day That Turned Deadly
Kundmala, nestled in Pune’s Maval region, draws crowds during the monsoon for its lush greenery and gushing river. On that fateful day, the bridge was packed with visitors, many taking selfies and enjoying the view. Around 3:30 PM, the decades-old structure crumbled without warning. Eyewitnesses described screams as people fell into the fast-moving waters. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, rushed to the scene, saving 39 people. But for four families, the day ended in loss.
Local MLA Sunil Shelke explained that the bridge, built 30 years ago for farmers, was not meant to handle heavy tourist crowds. Recent heavy rains had also raised the river’s water level, adding strain to the aging structure. “Too many people were on it at once,” Shelke said, pointing to overcrowding as a key factor.
A Bigger Problem Across India
The Kundmala collapse is not a one-off event. Across India, old bridges are struggling to keep up with modern demands. In 2022, a bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed, killing 135 people. Just last year, a under-construction bridge in Bihar fell into the Ganga, raising questions about poor building quality. Experts say many bridges, built decades ago, are not checked regularly or repaired properly. Rust, weak materials, and overloading—whether by vehicles or crowds—make them ticking time bombs.
Dr. Anil Kumar, a civil engineer from IIT Bombay, warns, “India’s infrastructure is aging faster than we’re replacing it. Without regular inspections and upgrades, tragedies like Kundmala will keep happening.” He adds that monsoon rains, which weaken foundations, make the problem worse.
Who Is Responsible?
The Kundmala bridge was under the local administration’s care, but no recent safety checks were reported. Posts on X show public anger, with many blaming the government for neglecting maintenance. “This wasn’t nature’s fault—it was a failure of responsibility,” one user wrote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have promised help for victims, including ₹5 lakh for families of the deceased. But for many, this feels like too little, too late.
The government has ordered a probe into the collapse, but questions remain: Why was a bridge meant for farmers used by tourists? Why wasn’t it closed during heavy rains? And who will ensure other bridges don’t meet the same fate?
What Needs to Change?
The Kundmala tragedy is a wake-up call for India. To prevent more lives from being lost, we need action now:
- Regular Safety Checks: Every bridge, old or new, must be inspected yearly, especially before the monsoon.
- Crowd Control: Popular tourist spots like Kundmala need limits on how many people can use bridges at once.
- Better Building Standards: New bridges must be built to handle heavy loads and harsh weather.
- Public Awareness: Tourists should be warned about the risks of overcrowding on old structures.
A Nation Mourns, but Must Act
As Pune mourns its loss, the Kundmala collapse reminds us that safety cannot wait. Families are grieving, survivors are scarred, and a community is shaken. India’s bridges connect villages, cities, and lives—but they must be strong enough to carry that weight. Let this tragedy be the last of its kind. It’s time to rebuild not just bridges, but trust in the systems that keep us safe.
Last Updated on: Monday, June 16, 2025 6:35 am by M.Deepak Reddy | Published by: M.Deepak Reddy on Monday, June 16, 2025 6:35 am | News Categories: India, News
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