Pune: Kundmala Bridge Collapses 5 Days After Rs 8 Crore Renovation Approval; Sanjay Raut Alleges Corruption, Claims Only Rs 80,000 Was Actually Sanctioned

Maval, 16th June 2025: With the collapse of the iron footbridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala yesterday, leaving more than 30 people swept away and four confirmed dead, shocking details have emerged about the bridge’s condition and funding. It has now been revealed that just five days before the incident, the bridge had been approved for renovation with a sanctioned budget of Rs 8.5 crore. However, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has contradicted this claim, stating that the actual budget allocation was only Rs 80,000, and presented an official letter as proof.

On Sunday, a crowded pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River at Kundmala, Pune, collapsed due to heavy tourist footfall. Four people died, over 30 were injured, and several were swept away by strong currents. Rescue operations by the NDRF and local authorities are ongoing.

New details about the bridge are surfacing. The structure, built in 1990, was 35 years old and had long surpassed its operational lifespan. Authorities had repeatedly issued instructions not to use the bridge for traffic due to safety concerns. However, as it served as a shortcut connecting villages on either side of the river, people continued to use it despite the warnings.

A proposal for a new bridge had been put forward in response to villagers’ persistent demands. In December 2022, then-Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan had recommended that a proposal be submitted. On 11th July 2024, approval was granted for the construction of a new, larger bridge with a connecting road at a cost of Rs 8.5 crore. An official order was also issued to begin work once the funds were received. Tragically, the collapse occurred just five days after this order.

In a parallel development, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut made serious allegations. He claimed that on 11th July 2024, then Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan had written a letter to a BJP leader from Maval, stating that the Kundmala road work had been approved. Raut said, “According to our information, Rs 8 crore was said to be approved. But in Chavan’s official letter, it mentions only Rs 80,000. This proves that the minister signs documents without proper consideration.”

Following Sunday’s tragedy, the Chief Minister has ordered an inquiry. However, Raut argued that the real investigation should target Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, under whose leadership multiple accidents and corruption cases have surfaced. “Yesterday’s victims are victims of corruption,” Raut said. “The approved funds were not used. Ajit Pawar is equally responsible, and a case of culpable homicide should be registered. This must be investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).”