Following the Kundmala bridge tragedy in Maval taluka in Pune, the District Collector of Pune, Jitendra Dudi, ordered an inspection of all bridges, culverts, and related structures across the district. Various agencies, including the Zila Parishad, Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Railways, submitted their structural audit reports.
The report revealed that 58 bridges under the Zila Parishad and 3 bridges under the PWD in Pune district are in dangerous condition, posing a potential threat to public safety. However, the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, as well as the Water Resources Department, are yet to submit their findings.
According to the Zila Parishad officials, the ZP oversees a total of 5,518 bridges and culverts, divided between two divisions, North and South. The North Division has 4,438 structures, out of which around 4,386 are in good condition, around 55 need urgent repair, and 52 are declared dangerous, with around 50 needing to be demolished. On the other hand, the South Division has 1,082 structures, of which 1,020 are in good condition. Six bridges and 28 culverts need repair, three are declared dangerous, and three are recommended for demolition.
All 224 NHAI bridges safe
In total, 58 bridges across both divisions have been flagged as dangerous, and many are beyond repair. The report from the PWD reveals that out of 794 bridges, 701 are in good condition, 32 need repair based on structural audit, 57 need repairs based on regular inspection, three structures are declared dangerous, and one is recommended for reconstruction. Railways have 671 bridges found to be structurally safe. All 224 NHAI bridges in the Pune district are declared safe.
The district administration is expected to convene a high-level meeting once pending reports are received. Officials say urgent measures, including repairs, demolitions, or reconstruction, will be prioritised based on the risk assessment.
With the monsoon season in full swing, the findings have sparked concern among citizens and activists. Public pressure is mounting for swift action to prevent another tragedy like Kundmala.
