In the wake of the tragic collapse of the Kundmala bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune on June 15, 2025, which resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to over 50 people, the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) has swung into swift action. The state government has ordered comprehensive structural audits of over 1,000 public bridges, in what is being described as one of the largest infrastructure safety reviews in the state’s history.
The move, though reactionary, comes with renewed focus on structural integrity, public safety, and climate-resilient infrastructure, especially with the monsoon season in full swing.
🏗️ The Kundmala Bridge Collapse: A Wake-Up Call
The bridge in question, Kundmala, spanned the Indrayani River and served as a crucial link between several urban and semi-urban clusters of Pune. At the time of the collapse, dozens of pedestrians and vehicles were crossing it, with many being swept away into the swollen river.
Rescue operations were carried out under challenging conditions. NDRF teams, state disaster response forces, and local divers were mobilized, and recovery continued for several days. Videos of the collapse went viral, prompting widespread public outrage and criticism of government oversight.
Following preliminary investigations, it was revealed that no structural audit had been performed in the last five years, despite repeated warnings from local engineers and civic groups.
🧾 Immediate Government Response
Soon after the incident, PWD Minister Dada Bhuse and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis visited the site, assuring affected families of financial compensation and promising a full audit of bridge infrastructure across the state.
By June 27, it was confirmed that over 1,000 bridges—spanning state and district highways—would be subjected to urgent structural inspections. This includes old colonial-era bridges, as well as newer concrete constructions from the last two decades.
“Every life matters. We cannot allow this tragedy to be repeated. All weak bridges will be marked for repair, reinforcement, or demolition if required,” said Bhuse during a press conference.
The audit process will be executed in three phases, with priority given to high-traffic and high-risk zones, especially in Pune, Thane, Raigad, and Nashik, where river crossings are frequent and the terrain is flood-prone.
🔍 Audit Phases and Technology Involved
The PWD has partnered with IIT Bombay, the National Institute of Technology (Nagpur), and private civil engineering consultants to conduct the audits. Drones, infrared thermography, and ultrasonic sensors will be used for non-invasive structural assessments.
The audit will cover:
- Load-bearing capacity
- Corrosion in steel elements
- Erosion or scour damage at the foundation
- Cracks in concrete or masonry
- Design flaws in older models
- Water drainage and traffic stress points
All assessments will be documented and graded on a risk scale, from “Safe” to “Immediate Repair Required.” Bridges falling in the latter category will either be shut down temporarily or have bypass routes arranged until repairs are completed.
By August 15, the government aims to finish at least 60% of the audits in sensitive regions.
🌧️ Monsoon Safety SOPs Activated
In tandem with the bridge inspections, the Maharashtra Disaster Management Authority (MDMA) has activated special Monsoon Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the state. These include:
- Hourly monitoring of rainfall in ghat and coastal areas
- Flood-warning sirens near river banks and weak bridges
- Strict movement restrictions during red-alert periods
- Deployment of emergency response teams to districts with low bridge clearance
Local governments have been instructed to suspend school and office activity near vulnerable bridges on heavy rainfall days. Authorities are also planning awareness campaigns urging citizens to avoid crossing bridges during high water flow.
💸 Budget Allocated and Political Reactions
The state finance department has cleared an initial allocation of ₹480 crore for structural audits and emergency bridge repairs. Additional funding is expected through central schemes like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
While Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the quick action by departments, opposition parties like the Congress and NCP accused the government of “delayed negligence.” In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, heated discussions ensued, with several MLAs demanding a white paper on infrastructure audits conducted over the past five years.
“The Kundmala collapse should never have happened. If regular checks were done, these lives would have been saved,” said Congress leader Nana Patole.
🧠 Experts Weigh In
Infrastructure experts believe the crisis may serve as a much-needed turning point in how India manages its public structures. Civil engineer and urban planner Dr. Sujata Gokhale remarked, “India has tens of thousands of old bridges. With increasing rainfall variability due to climate change, infrastructure needs both modern inspection and rapid response systems.”
She added that bridge collapse incidents have tripled in India over the past 15 years, and only 20% of older bridges have a digital health card tracking their structural condition.
📌 Final Thoughts
The tragic events in Pune have once again highlighted the cost of neglect in public infrastructure maintenance. But from this sorrow, Maharashtra seems determined to chart a new path—one where data-driven audits, real-time monitoring, and public safety override budget excuses and bureaucratic delay.
If the bridge audit initiative is executed well, it could serve as a national model—showing how governments can pivot from disaster to reform, and from crisis to prevention.