Pune, 18 June 2025: In a significant move to boost safety and infrastructure at popular tourist destinations, the Pune District Administration has announced the construction of a new, modern bridge at Kundmala in Maval taluka, the site of a tragic bridge collapse last Sunday that claimed four lives and left over 50 people injured. District Collector Jitendra Dudi shared details of the project, which aims to prevent such disasters in the future.
According to Dudi, the new bridge will be 7.5 meters wide and equipped with 8-foot-wide pedestrian footpaths on both sides, ensuring safe passage for both vehicles and visitors. Additionally, a dedicated viewing gallery will be developed to allow tourists to enjoy the scenic Indrayani River safely. "Additional funds are being allocated, and work will commence immediately after the monsoon season," Dudi stated.
The decision follows the incident on 15 June, when an old, dilapidated bridge collapsed under the weight of a large crowd of over 100 tourists gathered for sightseeing. The administration has since pledged to address both the structural and management aspects of tourist safety. Apart from the new bridge, the site will see improved barricading, restricted access during peak times, and better coordination with local police and disaster response teams.
In a related step to curb accidents during the monsoon season, when tourist numbers surge at scenic spots, the district administration will soon introduce an entry fee at select tourist sites. This move, part of a new tourism policy to be finalised within 15 days, will help manage overcrowding and ensure better safety compliance. The fee structure, capacity limits, and security guidelines will be worked out in detail, said Dudi.
Implementation will be overseen by a Forest Committee comprising officials from the Forest Department and local Gram Panchayats. The committee will be responsible for installing barricades, marking safe zones, and regulating visitor numbers. Drawing on successful measures from Satara, Dudi expressed confidence that these initiatives will enhance both safety and the visitor experience. The administration has urged citizens and tourists to cooperate to ensure safer, more sustainable tourism across Pune district.
