Why was an “unfit” bridge still open? Pune collapse exposes safety crisis in tourist zones

A footbridge over the Indrayani River in Maharashtra’s Maval tehsil collapsed Sunday afternoon while carrying approximately 125 tourists, plunging scores into the swollen river below. Four people have been confirmed dead, 51 injured, and at least two remain missing as of Monday morning. The tragedy unfolded around 4 pm in the Kundamala region, a popular picnic destination in Pune district, just days after continuous monsoon rains had caused the river to surge.

How many tourists were on the bridge when it collapsed and how many have been confirmed dead or injured so far?

Initial estimates from police and eyewitnesses suggest that between 125 and 150 individuals were standing or moving on the bridge at the time of collapse. The structure reportedly swayed for several minutes before giving way. Four people, including a five-year-old child, have been confirmed dead. At least 51 others were injured, six of them critically, and are being treated at local hospitals. Rescue teams are continuing to search for at least two people still unaccounted for.

What efforts are underway to rescue those missing and assist the injured following the Indrayani River disaster?

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, state police, fire brigades, local emergency volunteers (Apada Mitras), and trained trekking teams are leading round-the-clock operations at the site. Rescue efforts resumed at dawn on Monday after being temporarily paused Sunday night due to river conditions. Specialized underwater sonar equipment, rafts, and diving teams have been deployed to locate victims. More than 55 people have been rescued so far and transported to hospitals in Talegaon, Pavana, and Pune city.

Emergency medical tents have been set up near the riverbank, with doctors and paramedics treating those suffering from trauma, hypothermia, or fractures. Ambulances remain on standby, and all recovered individuals are being monitored for potential post-submersion complications.

What compensation and assistance has the Maharashtra government announced for victims and families?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that families of the deceased will receive ₹5 lakh in financial compensation. Additionally, all medical expenses for injured survivors will be fully borne by the state government. Fadnavis said he is in regular contact with the divisional commissioner and Pune district authorities to expedite aid delivery and relief coordination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have also expressed condolences and commended the rapid response of the NDRF and state agencies.

What did eyewitnesses and locals report about the bridge collapse and rescue efforts?

Eyewitness accounts from the scene suggest there was some warning prior to collapse. One survivor said the bridge had “shaken for nearly five minutes,” while another managed to cling to a submerged pipe for over 15 minutes before being rescued. Chandrakant Vidhate, a local man caught in the collapse, reportedly saved three people by pulling them to safety from the wreckage while trapped himself.

Locals joined the rescue effort almost immediately after the collapse, pulling victims from the water and guiding emergency responders. Villagers reported that tourists, including children, were swept away within seconds of the structure falling into the river.

Why did the bridge collapse, and were any warnings issued prior to the tragedy in Kundamala?

The bridge was constructed in the mid-1990s and was originally designed to accommodate limited foot traffic and small agricultural loads. It spanned over 140 meters and was only four feet wide. According to Pune district officials, it had been declared structurally “unfit” several months ago, but was not sealed or formally closed to the public. In fact, the bridge continued to be used regularly by tourists and bikers.

At the time of the collapse, eyewitnesses confirmed the presence of at least seven motorcycles on the bridge in addition to the heavy human load. Local residents had petitioned officials to either repair or restrict access to the bridge, particularly during the monsoon season, but no enforcement or signage had been implemented. Recent rains had caused river water levels to rise, potentially weakening the already compromised foundations.

What steps are now being taken by Maharashtra authorities to prevent future infrastructure failures?

Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, along with CM Fadnavis, have jointly announced a state-wide structural audit of all old and active bridges, especially in tourist-heavy regions. A formal inquiry into the collapse has been initiated, and officials confirmed that a replacement bridge had been approved for ₹8 crore but construction had not yet begun.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has also been directed to submit a report on why the Kundamala bridge was not decommissioned or restricted, despite repeated assessments warning of its poor condition. Officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Zilla Parishad are participating in the review process.

How are political leaders and the public reacting to the Pune bridge collapse?

The collapse has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Senior Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) officials have questioned why an “unfit” bridge remained open and why no crowd control or public advisories were issued. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar urged the government to impose strict controls at high-risk tourist areas during the monsoon, citing the region’s history of seasonal tragedies.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central ministers have meanwhile lauded the swift deployment of rescue teams. Public sentiment across social media is increasingly demanding accountability from local administration and better enforcement of tourist safety protocols across Maharashtra.

What does the bridge collapse reveal about safety risks in Maharashtra’s tourist zones during monsoon season?

The Kundamala footbridge collapse is the latest in a string of infrastructure incidents linked to extreme monsoon weather and administrative oversight. The region attracts thousands of visitors every weekend, particularly from Pune and Mumbai, many of whom are unaware of hidden dangers around water bodies and aged structures. Experts have long warned that Maharashtra’s tourism hotspots lack sufficient signage, barricades, and crowd-monitoring systems.

District authorities had issued general monsoon advisories earlier this season, but enforcement was absent at key access points near the Indrayani River. The incident has reignited calls for digital monitoring, stricter capacity limits, and real-time closure of unsafe sites based on river level sensors and weather alerts.

What are the next steps and current status of the recovery operation?

By Monday afternoon, over 55 people had been rescued. Four deaths have been confirmed, and two individuals remain missing. NDRF teams are expected to continue search operations for another 24–48 hours, depending on weather and water conditions. A post-mortem and medical report summary will be released by district health officials. Simultaneously, a judicial inquiry committee will be formed to examine negligence, fund lapses, and potential violations of safety norms.

What are the next steps and current status of the recovery operation?

As of Monday morning, more than 55 individuals had been rescued from the Indrayani River. Four fatalities have been confirmed, and two people remain missing. The NDRF continues its search-and-recovery operation, supported by local police and disaster response units. Search teams are expected to remain at the site for the next 24 to 48 hours, subject to river conditions and visibility.

Authorities have announced that a detailed technical and administrative investigation is underway to determine the causes of the collapse, assess any lapses in infrastructure maintenance, and recommend immediate safety protocols for similar sites. A broader structural audit of old bridges and tourist-zone safety infrastructure has also been ordered.

With monsoon season entering a more active phase, officials are expected to implement stricter restrictions and real-time monitoring across vulnerable sites. The incident has reignited urgent conversations around public infrastructure safety, tourist crowd management, and the critical importance of early action on known structural risks.