Hey Pune, it’s time to talk about pedestrian safety in our city! Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation drafting a policy back in 2016 to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement for pedestrians, it seems like not much has changed on the ground. A recent survey conducted on Pedestrian Day revealed that over half of the city’s footpaths are encroached upon, forcing pedestrians onto the roads and putting their lives at risk.
The pedestrian policy, which was approved in 2016 under the leadership of then Municipal Commissioner Kunal Kumar, has been stagnant for eight years now. It was supposed to transform pedestrian safety in Pune, but its non-implementation has raised concerns among activists and citizens.
Out of Pune’s 1,400 kilometers of roads, 574 kilometers have footpaths for pedestrians. However, more than half of these footpaths are encroached upon by shops, food stalls, and street vendors in areas like Kasba Peth, Laxmi Road, and Bajirao Road. This forces pedestrians to walk on the streets, especially in commercial areas like Jungli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road.
Despite efforts to address traffic congestion by building pedestrian underpasses at various locations, these underpasses remain unused and are now closed. Some underpasses are even occupied by unauthorized shops, making the situation worse.
Data from ‘Save Pune Traffic Movement’ revealed that there were 120 pedestrian fatalities last year, compared to 106 the year before. This rise in pedestrian deaths highlights the urgent need for the implementation of the pedestrian policy in Pune.
Prashant Inamdar, President of the Pedestrian First Organization, criticized PMC for not taking action on the pedestrian policy. He emphasized the importance of implementing the policy on the ground, rather than just celebrating Pedestrian Day once a year.
It’s clear that the neglect of footpaths is not only endangering pedestrian safety but also undermining Pune’s reputation as a pedestrian-friendly city. With the death toll rising and public frustration growing, citizens and activists are calling on PMC to prioritize pedestrian welfare by enforcing the policy, removing encroachments, and maintaining footpaths and underpasses properly. Let’s hope that these calls for action are heard and implemented soon!
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