Maharashtra Deputy CM Slams Modi Government Over Bridge Collapses, Failing Infrastructure

Frequent incidents of collapsing bridges, roads, and buildings raise serious questions about the Modi government’s performance.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, questioning its handling of infrastructure safety following a significant rise in bridge collapses and road cave-ins during the monsoon season.

Despite the central government’s claims of India becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Pawar accused it of making hollow declarations with no regard for ground realities.

“India may have become the third-largest economy, but who is responsible for the collapsing buildings and bridges?” asked Pawar. “What’s the use of development when bridges are falling, roads are caving in, and people are dying? Who is accountable for these tragedies like bridge collapses and roads sinking?”

Pawar’s criticism comes in response to recent infrastructure failures that have resulted in numerous fatalities and disruptions. According to The Wire, these incidents include:

• July 10: A road caved in after heavy rain in Gurugram, causing a truck to fall into a crater.

• July 9: A bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara collapsed, killing 20 people.

• Rajasthan (Jhunjhunu District): A road connecting NH-52 was washed away by the Katli River.

• July 4: Potholes appeared on a Mumbai flyover just days after its construction, despite a reported cost of ₹250 crore.

• June 15: A bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune collapsed, resulting in four deaths.

• Odisha (Sambalpur District): A ₹60 crore flyover collapsed less than two months after being built.

The Wire reported that such repeated incidents indicate growing public risk due to the Modi government’s incompetence.

The timing of Pawar’s remarks is notable, as they came just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is rapidly on its way to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. However, many analysts have challenged this claim, asserting that “GDP growth cannot hide the stark inequality and lack of basic infrastructure in the country.”

Ajit Pawar also cited warnings from British-era companies, stating that many of India’s old bridges were no longer fit for vehicular use.

“Some bridges are over 100 years old and should not be in use for vehicular traffic,” he said.

The criticism from Ajit Pawar—an ally of the Modi government—underscores a widening gap between official claims of development and the deteriorating state of public infrastructure.

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