136 Bridges in Pune District Require Urgent Repairs; Fresh Structural Audits Underway Post-Kund Mala Collapse

Pune, 24th June 2025: In the wake of the Kund Mala bridge collapse over the Indrayani river in Maval taluka on June 15, a comprehensive inspection of Pune district’s bridges has revealed that 136 bridges require immediate repair, while 39 bridges have already undergone structural audits.
Public Works Department (PWD) officials have clarified that none of the surveyed bridges need to be dismantled at this stage, but the situation remains under close observation. “We are currently conducting structural assessments of 227 bridges across the district,” a senior PWD official told Punekar News, requesting anonymity.

Following the Kund Mala incident, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi had instructed the PWD to expedite audits of all bridges in the region. The district is home to a total of 777 bridges, including 132 classified as major bridges and 645 as minor ones.

Five Bridges Declared Unsafe
So far, five bridges have been declared unsafe for vehicular use. Of these:
Three major bridges have been shut to heavy vehicles, allowing only light traffic.
Two minor bridges have been completely closed for repair work.
“We had conducted pre-monsoon inspections of the bridges, and based on our findings, we are preparing a detailed report to submit to the collector,” the PWD official added.

Heritage Bridges Under Watch
The district also houses 21 British-era heritage bridges, which officials say are structurally stable and routinely monitored. These bridges have undergone necessary repairs over the years and currently pose no safety threat.

Between 2016 and 2025, the PWD has carried out repair work on 111 bridges across Pune district. However, officials admit that a significant number still require maintenance, based on the latest inspections.

“Public Safety Is Top Priority”: Collector Dudi
District Collector Jitendra Dudi stressed that public safety remains the administration’s top priority. “The recent tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for renewed focus on bridge safety. We are ensuring that structural audits are conducted thoroughly, and timely repairs are carried out,” he said.

He further stated, “Any bridge found to be structurally weak or hazardous will be closed or dismantled without delay to prevent another disaster. All departments have been instructed to initiate fresh audits of older bridges.”

State-Level Directive
The directive comes as part of a broader state initiative. Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik has issued instructions to all district collectors across Maharashtra to carry out a structural audit of bridges in their respective areas, especially in view of the ongoing monsoon.

PWD has appealed to the public to cooperate with traffic diversions and restrictions wherever bridges are under repair or closed. “These measures are essential to ensure the safety of all road users,” an official noted.