Mumbai, June 16, 2025 :-
In the aftermath of the tragic bridge collapse over the Indrayani River in Talegaon Dabhade, Pune district, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a comprehensive structural audit of all aging and potentially dangerous bridges across the state.
The collapse, which occurred on Sunday near Kundmala in Maval Taluka, has already claimed at least two lives, with 20 to 25 more feared to have been swept away by the river’s powerful current. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the narrow, decades-old bridge gave way under the weight of a large gathering of visitors.
Describing the incident as deeply shocking, Shinde expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and directed the administration to ensure immediate and quality medical care for those injured. He wasted no time in coordinating response efforts, directly contacting district officials and ordering intensified rescue operations.
Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fire brigade units, and ambulance services, were swiftly dispatched to the site to aid in the search and rescue mission. As operations continued, concerns mounted over the possibility of more casualties, particularly with ongoing monsoon rains swelling river currents.
In his official statement, the Deputy Chief Minister underscored the urgent need for enhanced readiness of emergency response systems across Maharashtra, particularly in high-footfall tourist areas and during weekends and holidays. He urged all district administrations to stay on high alert and prioritize the safety of public infrastructure.
The incident has reignited longstanding concerns over the deteriorating condition of bridges in the state, many of which were constructed decades ago and now face wear from heavy traffic and weather exposure. Shinde’s directive to Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik mandates an immediate and thorough structural audit of such infrastructure to assess risk levels and initiate preventive measures.
Experts have long warned that aging civic structures require consistent monitoring and timely repairs. The Talegaon bridge tragedy may serve as a turning point in pushing the state towards prioritizing infrastructure safety over cosmetic urban upgrades.
As Maharashtra mourns the loss of lives and mobilizes efforts to prevent further disaster, the spotlight is now firmly on the effectiveness—and urgency—of the audit process to ensure such preventable tragedies are never repeated.
