Pune: Iron Bridge on Gunjavani River Collapses, Cutting Off Vital Route for 25 Villages in Rajgad Taluka

Velhe, 20th December 2025: A crucial iron bridge over the Gunjavani river on the Padbaba Mori to Kodwadi route in Rajgad taluka collapsed on Saturday around 4 PM, despite being closed to heavy vehicles since June 19, 2025. The bridge’s failure has completely shut down a key transportation route serving more than 25 villages, causing severe inconvenience to local residents and daily commuters.

The incident occurred when an Eicher dump truck (MH-12 VT-6139) carrying over two brass of rubble attempted to cross the bridge. Midway across, the structure gave way, and the truck along with its driver, Raju Tanaji Minde (resident of Kodwadi), fell into the Gunjavani river. According to Velhe police, Minde sustained minor injuries.

Assistant Police Inspector Kishore Shevate visited the site and closed both ends of the bridge, urging residents to use alternative routes. The bridge connected several villages on both sides of the Gunjavani river, including Kodwadi, Manjai Asani, Damguda Asani, Surwad, Vadgaon Zanje, Sonde Karla, Sonde Mathana, Jadhav Sonde, and Bhaghinghar on the right bank in Rajgad taluka, as well as Kurunji, Karandi, Khedebare, Wakambe, and Wadambe in the Bhatghar dam area of Bhor taluka.

The bridge had been in a dilapidated condition for years. Rusting and structural cracks made the threat of an accident imminent, despite repeated warnings. Village heads, including Ashok Sarpale (Sarpanch of Surwad), Vishwas Damgude (former Sarpanch of Damguda Asani), and social worker Amit Mane from Kodwadi, stated that they had repeatedly urged local representatives, MLAs, and MPs to take action.

A warning sign placed by the Pune Executive Engineer, Construction North Division of the Zilla Parishad, indicated that heavy and light vehicles were prohibited on the bridge due to safety concerns. However, heavy vehicle movement continued unchecked, ultimately leading to the collapse.

The incident has disrupted daily commutes for pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and local travelers. Many residents had to wade through river water to reach their destinations in the evening, prompting calls for the administration to immediately provide an alternative route.