Pune: Why the New Kundmala Bridge Is Still on Hold One Year After the Deadly Collapse
Talegaon, 30th July 2026: A year after the tragic collapse of the Kundmala bridge in Maval taluka claimed four lives and left several others injured, the construction of a new bridge remains stalled due to objections raised by a nearby defence establishment over security concerns.
The bridge, built in 1992, over the Indrayani River collapsed on June 15, 2025, triggering a major rescue operation and prompting the Maharashtra government to assure residents that a permanent replacement bridge would be constructed at the earliest. Then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, along with other public representatives, visited the site and promised villagers that the project would be completed without delay.
Following the announcement, the Public Works Department (PWD) completed the necessary technical formalities and secured ₹8 crore from the state government for the project. However, the proposed bridge site falls within 100 metres of the ordnance depot campus, prompting the defence establishment to object to the construction on security grounds.
In an effort to resolve the issue, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi convened two high-level meetings with the defence establishment officials and representatives of the concerned departments. Despite the discussions, the defence establishment maintained its objection and declined to grant clearance for the proposed site.
Authorities subsequently proposed constructing a pedestrian bridge at the existing location as an alternative. However, local residents rejected the proposal, arguing that the village requires a full-fledged bridge capable of supporting vehicular traffic for daily commuting, emergency services and the transportation of goods.
With the impasse continuing, the Public Works Department has begun identifying an alternative site for the new bridge that can meet the village’s transportation needs while addressing the security concerns raised by the defence establishment.
The delay has left residents waiting for a permanent solution more than a year after the fatal bridge collapse, which exposed the need for safer and more reliable connectivity in the area.
