Pune: “Tourists Don’t Listen Even When Warnings Are Issued; Bridge Will Be Completely Removed”: Ajit Pawar Blames Tourists for Kundmala Tragedy?

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Maval, 17th June 2025: On Tuesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Kundmala, where four tourists died and several others were injured on Sunday after an iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed due to overcrowding, with more than 100 tourists standing on it. Ajit Pawar stated that the bridge would now be completely removed and blamed tourists for ignoring warning signs. He also announced the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the incident and assured strict action against those found responsible.
Speaking to the media after his inspection, Pawar expressed anger over questions he deemed irrelevant. He was accompanied by Maval MLA Sunil Shelke, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “A five-member committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the District Collector to investigate the iron bridge collapse accident at Kundmala in Indori, Maval taluka. Whether the police were present on the day of the incident, and who is at fault, these matters will be thoroughly examined. Appropriate action will be taken against the guilty based on the committee’s report. The responsibility for this has been assigned to the provincial authorities.”
He further added, “The committee comprises the Resident Deputy Collector, the Deputy Conservator of Forests, and engineers from the Water Resources and Public Works Departments. It has been reported that no police personnel were present at the scene during the incident. The committee has been instructed to complete the inquiry at the earliest and submit its report.”
Pawar mentioned that the committee will also identify the most dangerous tourist spots in the district, which will be restricted to visitors, while declaring other locations safe for tourism. “Locals and tribal people who bravely jump into the water to save lives will be issued certificates and registered with the Disaster Management Team,” he said.
He confirmed that the bridge collapsed due to overcrowding and will now be fully dismantled. He added that other bridges in the district that have outlived their service life will also be demolished. “Despite warnings, tourists are not listening,” Pawar remarked.
Injured to Be Shifted to Delhi
With four fatalities confirmed and over 50 injured—11 of whom remain in the ICU—Ajit Pawar said that after stabilising the injured, some will be moved to Delhi for advanced treatment within the next seven days. “A special flight will be arranged for them. Necessary instructions have already been given,” he said.
New Bridge in 11 Months
Pawar also announced that a new bridge, 7.5 meters wide, has been sanctioned at Kundmala. “Construction has been ordered to begin immediately. Although the monsoon poses challenges, the contractor has assured completion within 11 months,” he said. The new bridge will allow vehicular traffic and will feature two eight-foot-wide footpaths for pedestrians, along with a dedicated viewing gallery. An additional ₹4 crore will be spent on the project, which will be funded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).