Indrayani River Bridge Collapse: Rescue Operations Conclude as All Victims Accounted For

PUNE | JUNE 2025 – Rescue operations at the site of the Indrayani river bridge collapse in Kundamala, Pune, were officially concluded by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) on Monday after all missing individuals were accounted for. The tragic incident, which occurred at a popular tourist location near Talegaon Dabhade, claimed four lives and injured 50 others.

According to an official statement from the NDRF, “All missing persons have been accounted for… as per directions of the district administration, the operations have been closed.” The statement marks the end of an intense search-and-rescue mission that began shortly after the collapse on Sunday evening.

The Incident at Kundamala

The collapse occurred when an iron footbridge, over three decades old and intended for pedestrian use only, gave way under the weight of over 150 tourists. The accident site, Kundamala, located about 30 km from Pune, is a monsoon hotspot featuring waterfalls, gorges, and whirlpools along the scenic Indrayani river.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bridge had also been used by two-wheelers, despite its structural limitations, which may have further weakened it over time. Rescue teams from the NDRF, police, and local administration rushed to the scene, with the first response arriving within 20 minutes, according to District Collector Jitendra Dudi.

Casualties and Government Response

Four people lost their lives, while 50 others sustained injuries, of whom 18 required hospitalization. The Maharashtra state government promptly announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured that all medical expenses of the injured would be fully covered.

A Bridge Past Its Prime

The bridge, reportedly over 30 years old, had been earmarked for replacement. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan confirmed that tenders had been approved for the construction of a new bridge, but the onset of monsoons caused delays in execution. "This is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by aging infrastructure," he stated, vowing to expedite bridge replacement projects across the state.

Warnings Ignored Amid Tourist Rush

Authorities had issued prohibitory orders earlier last week, advising tourists to avoid riverbanks and water bodies during the monsoon. However, the popularity of the Kundamala spot, especially during rains, led to an overwhelming number of visitors.

Local residents and officials alike have raised concerns over lack of enforcement and poor awareness among tourists. The area’s natural beauty often draws crowds, but its treacherous terrain—including sharp gorges and powerful river currents—makes it dangerous during the rainy season.

Looking Ahead

As the rescue efforts conclude, attention now shifts to accountability and infrastructure safety. The collapse has reignited debates on maintenance of public structures, especially in high-footfall tourist areas. Citizens and activists are calling for stricter safety checks, better communication of risks during monsoons, and immediate action on pending infrastructure projects.

The district administration has assured a detailed investigation into the incident and a review of all old bridges in the region. Meanwhile, local authorities urge residents and tourists alike to remain cautious and respect monsoon advisories.