Narrow Escape for Driver; Massive Disruption for Commuters
Pune : A combination of administrative apathy and the recklessness of heavy vehicle drivers led to the collapse of a 40-year-old iron bridge on the Surwad-Kodwadi road in Rajgad taluka on Saturday evening. The aging structure, which was already in a dilapidated state, gave way under the weight of a tempo carrying more than two brass of sand.
Fortunately, a major tragedy was averted as no fatalities were reported. The tempo driver escaped with minor injuries. However, the collapse has severed the primary transport link for approximately 25 to 30 villages in Rajgad and 10 to 12 villages in Bhor taluka, causing immense hardship for daily commuters, including farmers, students, and office-goers.Built by the Zilla Parishad’s Construction Department around 1980 over the Gunjawani River, the bridge stood on iron pillars that had severely rusted over the decades.
Ignored Warnings
Despite the Construction Department officially banning heavy vehicles and placing a warning board at the entrance, local transporters and private vehicles continued to use the bridge daily without any enforcement from the authorities.
Locals claim they had repeatedly followed up with the administration for repairs. They allege that the authorities only performed “superficial patchwork” before the monsoons instead of a structural overhaul, leading to the eventual disaster. The collapse has stalled trade and movement for several villages, including Surwad, Kodwadi, Asani Manjai, Asani Damguda, Chirmudi, Gunjawane, Sonde Sarpale, Sonde Karla, Karandi, Male, and Bhutonde.
Demand for New Infrastructure
MLA Shankar Mandekar has already moved a proposal to the Public Works Minister, requesting a fund of ₹10 Crores for the construction of a new bridge on the State Highway 106 to Kodwadi-Asani Damguda stretch.
