Pune: Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune district, Ajit Pawar, visited the site of the tragic bridge collapse at Kundmala in Maval Taluka on Monday. The incident, which involved the collapse of a footbridge, has raised concerns over infrastructure safety in the region. Mr. Pawar reviewed the situation at ground level and assured that reconstruction of the sanctioned bridge would commence immediately after the monsoon and be completed on priority.
Accompanying him during the visit were Maval MLA Sunil Shelke, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Joint Commissioner of Police (Pimpri-Chinchwad) Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Atul Chavan, Superintendent Engineer Bappa Bahir, and Maval Sub-Divisional Officer Surendra Navale, among other officials.
The Deputy Chief Minister interacted with local residents and officials to gather firsthand information about the incident and the rescue operations. He lauded the swift response of local citizens who rushed to the scene and assisted in rescue efforts.
Speaking to the media, Pawar emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures in Maval, a region that attracts a high number of tourists. He announced that an advanced rescue vehicle will be procured using funds from the District Planning Committee to aid in future emergencies.
To investigate the cause of the incident, a committee comprising the Additional District Collector, Deputy Forest Officer, Superintendent Engineers from the Public Works and Irrigation Departments, and the Resident Deputy Collector has been constituted.
Pawar further stated that the remaining structure of the collapsed bridge will be dismantled, and all other structurally unsafe or outdated bridges—flagged by structural auditors—will also be taken down to prevent similar mishaps.
Plans for a new bridge have already been approved. The upcoming structure will be 7.5 meters wide with 8-foot pedestrian walkways on both sides. Given the area’s popularity as a tourist destination, two viewing galleries will be constructed on the bridge. Additional funding will be allocated for these enhancements. The Deputy CM has instructed the contractor to begin construction work as soon as the monsoon season ends.
Following his site visit, Mr. Pawar visited the Pavana Hospital to check on those injured in the incident. He spoke with the patients and directed hospital staff to provide all necessary medical care. He added that the Sub-Divisional Officer would be responsible for coordinating all related efforts to ensure proper treatment and rehabilitation of the injured.
