Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar visited the site of the bridge collapse at Kundmala in Maval Taluka to assess the situation. He directed that the construction of the approved new bridge should commence immediately after the monsoon and be completed as quickly as possible.
Accompanying him on this visit were MLA Sunil Shelke, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Additional Commissioner of Police (Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate) Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Atul Chavan, Superintending Engineer Bappa Bahir, Maval Sub-Divisional Officer Surendra Navale, and other officials.
During the visit, Deputy CM Pawar gathered information from officials and locals about the incident and the ongoing rescue efforts. He commended the local citizens who responded swiftly and helped in the rescue operations.
Pawar stated that Maval Taluka attracts a large number of tourists, and hence, for the safety of visitors, a modern rescue vehicle will be made available through the District Planning Committee funds.
He also informed that a committee has been appointed to investigate the incident, comprising the Additional District Collector, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Superintending Engineers from the Public Works and Irrigation Departments, along with the Resident Deputy Collector.
The remaining part of the collapsed bridge will be demolished. Additionally, all other dangerous bridges—either those declared unsafe by structural auditors or those that have outlived their lifespan—will also be dismantled, he added.
