On 15th of October this incident takes place in Pune, Maharashtra.
In a heartbreaking incident that highlights India’s growing infrastructure concerns, a pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune district of Maharashtra collapsed . The bridge, once a quiet commuting path, had become a bustling tourist hotspot in recent years. The sudden collapse takes lives of two individuals and left 32 others injured — six of them in critical condition.
The tragic event unfolded around evening hours when the bridge was crowded with weekend tourists. Eyewitnesses reported that the structure gave way while several people were still crossing. “On weekends, we couldn’t even see the other side of the bridge because it was packed. It was always the same issue,” said Sagar, a local resident, reflecting on the consistently overcrowded condition of the 30-year-old bridge.
What Happened?
Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, confirmed the fatalities and ongoing search operations via a post on social media. “My deepest condolences to their families. We share their grief in this difficult time,” he expressed.
So far, six people have been rescued and are receiving medical attention along with 26 others injured in the collapse. Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were quickly deployed. Search operations continue, as a few individuals are feared to have been swept away by the river’s current.
Interestingly, the Pune district had experienced heavy rainfall in the days prior to the collapse, though it was not raining at the time of the incident. Authorities have not yet released an official reason for the structural failure.
A Popular Spot Turned Tragedy Zone
Originally built for local pedestrians and light commuting, the bridge wasn’t designed to support the kind of weekend tourist traffic it has been witnessing in recent years. NDTV reports that the bridge would often hold thousands of visitors during weekends, especially during monsoon months when the surrounding landscape turns lush and scenic.
What was once a peaceful passage for villagers had become an Instagram-worthy location, drawing crowds far beyond its capacity. Sadly, this misuse of infrastructure is not new in India.
India’s History with Bridge Collapses
India has witnessed multiple bridge-related tragedies in recent years, exposing a dire need for frequent inspections and maintenance of aging infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, nearly 5% of India’s 1.5 lakh bridges are structurally deficient, and over 85,000 bridges are over 50 years old.
Some other major incidents include:
- Morbi, Gujarat (2022): A suspension bridge collapse killed 135 people.
- Kolkata (2016): A flyover under construction collapsed, killing 27.
- Bihar (2024): A recently built bridge collapsed just days before inauguration. and many more
The recurring pattern is clear — poor maintenance, lack of capacity management, and rapid urbanization without infrastructure development are the reason for disaster.
The Way Forward
This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reassess the safety and structural health of bridges across India. It is also a call for action to restrict overcrowding on infrastructure not designed to handle mass tourism. Local governance bodies must prioritize structural audits, especially for pedestrian and commuter bridges nearing their age limit.
Moreover, public awareness regarding safety and responsible tourism must be encouraged. Just as India takes pride in its scenic beauty and heritage, equal pride and responsibility must be taken in preserving its lifelines — its bridges, roads, and public infrastructure.
As Maharashtra mourns the loss of innocent lives in Pune, the rest of the country must take heed before history repeats itself. Infrastructure is not just concrete and steel — it’s a matter of life and death.