India’s Bridge Disaster 2025: From Vadodara to Pune, Why Are Our Bridges Falling Apart?

In a worrying trend that has shaken public confidence in infrastructure safety, India has witnessed multiple major bridge collapses in just the first half of 2025. Shockingly, this comes after a spate of similar incidents last year in Bihar, where nearly a dozen bridges gave way in less than three weeks. The root causes remain uncertain—whether it’s shoddy construction, substandard materials, or neglectful maintenance.

Here’s a look at three of the most dramatic bridge collapses that have made headlines this year:

1. Gambhira Bridge Tragedy, Vadodara (July 9)

Disaster struck Gujarat’s Vadodara district when a portion of the 40-year-old Gambhira bridge crumbled, plunging vehicles and people into the Mahisagar river. The collapse left nine people dead, including a child, and several others injured or trapped. Built in 1985, the bridge was considered a vital link between central Gujarat and Saurashtra, with periodic maintenance reportedly carried out over the years. The incident has raised urgent questions about the safety of aging infrastructure.

Did Gujarat's Gambhira Bridge collapse because it was dilapidated? – Firstpost

2. Indrayani River Bridge Collapse, Pune (June 15)

A routine afternoon turned tragic near Pune when the old iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani river suddenly collapsed at Kundamala, a popular tourist spot. Four people lost their lives and 18 others suffered serious injuries. The bridge, battered by recent heavy rains, gave way without warning, highlighting the dangers posed by neglected and weather-worn structures.

Two killed after bridge collapse in India | Reuters

3. Bullet Train Gantry Mishap, Ahmedabad (March 23)

Even modern projects aren’t immune to disaster. In March, a massive segmental launching gantry used for constructing the bullet train viaduct near Ahmedabad slipped during retraction, crashing down and impacting nearby railway lines. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed the incident, raising concerns about safety protocols in high-profile infrastructure projects.

Ahmedabad: Bullet Train Project Accident Disrupts Traffic; 25 Trains Cancelled; No Casualty Reported | Outlook India

Why Are India’s Bridges Collapsing? Despite periodic maintenance claims and ongoing construction booms, these repeated failures point to deeper issues—be it poor oversight, low-quality materials, or rushed workmanship. With public safety at stake, the pressure is mounting on authorities to conduct thorough investigations and enforce stricter standards.

Will India’s Next Bridge Hold? As these tragedies continue to unfold, citizens are left wondering: How many more warnings will it take before real change happens?