A critical bridge in Pune district, which had been officially closed to heavy traffic due to its dangerous condition, collapsed on Saturday evening when a truck attempted to cross it. The incident on the Gunjawani river in Rajgad taluka resulted in minor injuries to the driver and has severely impacted connectivity for local residents.
Bridge Gives Way Under Truck's Weight
The collapse occurred around 4:30 PM on Saturday on the iron bridge connecting Padbaba Mori and Kodawadi. The structure, which had visible rust and cracks, was carrying a partially loaded Eicher truck transporting rubble towards Kodawadi. The bridge collapsed under the vehicle's weight, causing the truck to fall through. The driver, identified as Raju Tanaji Minde, a resident of Kodawadi in Rajgad, sustained minor injuries in the accident.
Official Closure Ignored, Leading to Disaster
Local authorities had recognized the bridge's perilous state much earlier. The Pune Zilla Parishad had officially closed the bridge to heavy vehicles on June 19 this year and had installed notice boards announcing the restriction. Despite this clear warning, the truck proceeded onto the weakened structure. A police team from the Velhe station, led by Assistant Police Inspector Kishor Shevate, rushed to the scene following the collapse.
"We are yet to receive any formal complaint from the Zilla Parishad. Legal action will be initiated once a complaint is filed," stated API Shevate, highlighting the procedural steps following the incident.
Widespread Inconvenience and Public Anger
The collapse has created significant logistical problems for the area. Residents of nearly 25 villages in Rajgad taluka, who depend on this route for daily commutes, now face major inconvenience. While the bridge was barred for heavy vehicles, it remained in use by pedestrians, students, and operators of small vehicles. Police officials confirmed that no village has been completely cut off from essential services, as alternate routes are available, though they are likely longer and less convenient.
The incident has sparked anger among villagers, who accuse the government of neglecting their repeated pleas. According to local reports, multiple gram panchayats in the area had requested repairs for the dilapidated bridge, but no action was taken to reinforce or rebuild the critical infrastructure, ultimately leading to its failure.
