On June 15, 2025, a decades-old iron footbridge spanning the Indrayani River in Pune’s Kundamala (Maval tehsil) collapsed during a busy monsoon afternoon. This area, popular with tourists, had seen heavy rainfall in recent days, adding pressure to the already weakened structure.
At the time, over 100 people, including several two-wheeler riders, were on the bridge. Its sudden collapse sent many plunging into the swollen river, resulting in four confirmed deaths and over 30 injuries, six of whom are in critical condition.
🚑 Rescue & Relief Measures
Within minutes, a multi-agency rescue was initiated:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and Pimpri-Chinchwad fire teams led the efforts.
- Around 38 survivors were brought to safety; rescue teams deployed boats, cranes, drones, and divers to reach trapped individuals .
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the scene, expressing remorse and pledged immediate relief. He announced ₹5 lakh compensation for each family who lost loved ones and assured medical aid for the injured.
- Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde ordered structural audits for all similar river bridges in the state.
⚖️ Preliminary Cause: Neglect Meets Nature
Initial investigations suggest two key factors:
- Rust and Structural Fatigue
The bridge, built around 1991, had not undergone major renovation in decades and showed visible rust. - Monsoon Stress & Crowding
Heavy rains had swollen the Indrayani. At collapse time, overcrowding — including two-wheelers — likely exceeded load capacity.
Local accounts and past miner concerns showed warnings were raised but ignored, highlighting negligent upkeep .
🏛️ Legal Accountability & Public Safety
Criminal Liability
- Police have opened an FIR for culpable negligence under IPC Section 304A, punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
- Authorities will investigate who authorized the bridge to remain open despite unsafe conditions. Officials from Public Works Department (PWD) could be held responsible.
Civil Litigation & Compensation
- Families of victims may file civil suits for wrongful death, seeking statutory compensation and damages.
- With state promised ₹5 lakh ex‑gratia, further claims could arise under tort laws, potentially affecting government and bridge maintenance contractors.
Administrative Reforms
- Ordered structural audit of all similar bridges across Maharashtra.
- Authorities are reviewing bridge safety protocols, tourist crowd monitoring, and enforcing bridge closure orders during risk periods.
Regulatory Oversight
- Justice activists are urging a PIL to enforce maintenance schedules and transparent bridge inspection systems in Maharashtra.
🔍 What’s Next to Follow
| Area | Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Police, PWD, and structural engineers will issue report on maintenance failures |
| Bridge Audits & Closure | Unsafe bridges will be ordered shut; stronger regulatory oversight implemented |
| Criminal Proceedings | FIR actions and investigations will determine accountability |
| Civil Claims | Victims’ families and NGOs may move to court for compensation and accountability |
| Policy Reform | Possible guidelines for bridge inspections, monitoring monsoon footfall and safety notices |
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Pune bridge collapse is a grim reminder of dangerous neglect and monsoon pressures converging in tourist areas. Beyond grief and loss, the incident has triggered sweeping legal action, administrative scrutiny, and a hard look at public infrastructure safety.
As families await justice and authorities enforce structural audits, the upcoming months will be key in shaping lasting reforms — ensuring such tragedies are not repeated.
