Cracks in the System: Pune Bridge Collapse and India’s Infrastructure Death Trap

When bridges fall, buildings collapse, and potholes kill — the invisible violence of failed systems

Introduction: Deaths That Shouldn’t Have Happened

Every time a bridge collapses, a building caves in, or a pothole swallows a life, it’s not just concrete and steel that has failed it’s the system. These aren’t natural disasters. These are man-made tragedies born out of neglect, corruption, and apathy.

From a school-going child in Pune who died because of a pothole, to 141 people drowning under a collapsed bridge in Gujarat, these silent killings are no longer rare incidents they’re becoming horrifyingly routine.

The Pune Bridge Collapse – Indrayani River Tragedy (June 2025)

A simple outing turned deadly in Kundmala village near Pune. On June 15, 2025, a pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed under the weight of over 120 people. Within seconds, many were thrown into the water. Rescue teams pulled out injured locals, but at least 4 people died—including children.

The bridge was 30 years old and had no recent structural audit. Locals had complained about visible rust and cracks. The administration, however, took no action. Despite repeated warnings, no one was held accountable before the collapse.

Morbi Bridge Collapse – Gujarat’s Worst Civic Disaster (Oct 2022)

The Morbi suspension bridge was reopened just five days before it collapsed, killing 141 people. Over 300 people were reportedly on the bridge at once, though its capacity was just 125.

The post-collapse investigation found:

• 22 out of 49 cables were corroded.

• The deck was modified with heavy aluminum sheets.

• No fitness certificate was issued before reopening.

The private company that managed the renovation, Oreva Group, was held responsible. Yet again, public safety was sacrificed for profit and haste.

Kolkata’s Vivekananda Flyover Disaster (March 2016)

In the heart of Kolkata, an under-construction flyover collapsed during peak traffic hours, killing 27 people and injuring around 80. The flyover project was already delayed by 5 years. The construction company, IVRCL, had reportedly ignored safety alerts.

The debris crushed cars, street vendors, and pedestrians. This was not just an engineering error it was criminal negligence.

Potholes: The Most Ignored Killers on Indian Roads

Government data shows at least 5,626 deaths in pothole-related crashes from 2018–2020 alone, a figure likely underreported.

Key Cases:

• Pune, Nov 2022: 11-year-old Atharva Ravindra Aalne was riding pillion on his mother’s scooterwhen it hit a pothole in Shahunagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad. The scooter skidded, they both fell—Atharva tragically came under a truck and died at the scene  

• Lonand (Satara), Jan 2025: 20-year-old Ankita Dhaygude died after the motorcycle she was riding pillion on hit a pothole near Rajmata Ahilyadevi Square. The vehicle flipped, and she was crushed to death. Two others were seriously injured.

• Mumbai, 2018–2022: Over 200+ injuries and multiple deaths were reported due to potholes, especially during the monsoon.

Despite the data, urban development authorities continue to blame citizens or rain—rarely themselves.

Building Collapses: Lives Lost in Their Own Homes

Substandard materials, illegal constructions, and a lack of inspections have turned buildings into time bombs.

Key Cases:

• Kolkata, Mar 2024: A five-storey illegal building in Garden Reach collapsed 12 killed, ~18 injured; weak foundation and poor materials blamed.

• Lucknow, Sep 2024: A three-storey residential building collapsed due to structural weakness 8 killed, 28 injured; illegal third floor and substandard materials, despite prior warnings.

These were not accidents. Most of these structures were built illegally or without proper clearance.

Old Bridges, New Tragedies – A National Pattern

Bridge collapses aren’t isolated. Many old structures remain in use long after their life span expires.

Other Major Collapses:

• Majerhat Bridge, Kolkata (2018): 3 killed, 25 injured. Cracks had been flagged 2 years earlier.

• Raigad, Maharashtra (2016): Flooded Savitri river swept away a British-era bridge, killing at least 40.

• CSMT Foot Overbridge, Mumbai (2019): Collapse killed 6 commuters; audit reports ignored.

• Kerala Highway Wall Collapse (2025): A retaining wall on NH-66 caved in near Malappuram, injuring 7 people.

Many of these bridges had not undergone safety inspections in years.

Infrastructure Disaster Overview (2016–2025)

A 2020 national study showed over 2,130 bridge failures in India over four decades. Most were blamed on poor maintenance and flood damage.

Root Causes Behind These Silent Killings

• Neglect of maintenance: Aging infrastructure is rarely repaired.

• No accountability: Contractors and engineers often walk free.

• Corruption: Tenders go to the lowest bidder, not the most qualified.

• Ignored audits: Safety reports are either manipulated or ignored.

• Overburdened systems: Rapid urban expansion overloads infrastructure never meant for such density.

• Zero enforcement: Illegal constructions mushroom without permits or checks.

What Needs to Change Immediately

To prevent more innocent deaths, India must act now:

• Annual safety audits of all major public infrastructure.

• Real-time citizen reporting apps for dangerous potholes and cracks.

• Strict accountability laws to penalize engineers and contractors for negligence.

• Stricter building permits and demolition of illegal structures.

• Transparency in road and bridge contracts.

• Monsoon action plans by municipalities before rains begin.

• Independent inspection bodies free from political interference.

The Final Word: These Deaths Are Not Accidents

Each collapse, each death, each child lost to a pothole is a stain on the system. These are not accidents—they are the result of human apathy, misgovernance, and systemic failure. And until accountability replaces excuses, these silent killers will continue to strike.

Disclaimer: All facts and casualty figures mentioned in this article are based on publicly available sources and news reports as of June 2025. As the Pune Indrayani Bridge Collapse is a recent incident, certain details may change as official investigations progress. Readers are advised to check for the latest updates from verified government releases and news agencies.

Sources for Story:

• AP News – Indrayani Bridge Collapse (2025)

• Axios – Morbi Bridge Investigation

• The Hindu – Vivekananda Flyover

• [TOI – Pothole Fatalities Report (2023)]

• [Hindustan Times – Building Collapse Reports (2024)]

• [India Today – Raigad Bridge Disaster]

• [NDTV – CSMT Foot Overbridge Collapse]

• [NHAI Infrastructure Audit Summary, 2020]