Mahad bridge collapse triggered by rain, not human error: PWD minister

Public works department minister Chabndrakant Patil on Monday said the Mahad bridge collapse was a "nature-related disaster" and not one caused by human error, as corroborated by IIT experts. Before the incident in August, Patil told the state assembly that the Mahad bridge was inspected and declared fit for use by vehicles. Patil on Monday stuck to his stance and said heavy rain caused the bridge to collapse.

The British-era Mahad bridge across the River Savitri on the Mumbai-Goa highway, collapsed on August 3, taking with it two buses and two private vehicles, carrying over 40 persons. The second bridge was then opened up as a two-way route for vehicles.

An team of IIT experts, including officials from different branches, was sent to the spot to probe the matter. Patil said the state government plans to allocate Rs500 crore for reparis and maintenance of British-era bridges on a priority basis. The amount is expected to be sanctioned during the ensuing winter session of state assembly, which is scheduled to begin from December 5 in Nagpur.

Patil said Rs2,500 crore is required for the overall repair and maintenance of all old bridges in the state. He said that state government has decided to first sanction Rs500 crore in the ensuing winter session and propose for the remaining amount during next year's budget.