- PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh spoke at an event highlighting the success of the vehicle-free weekend in Pimpri Market.
- He emphasized the need for community support for such initiatives and assured that the process would be consultative.
- Police Inspector Varsharani Patil mentioned the extensive planning done by PCMC and Traffic Police teams to manage traffic flow and engage shopkeepers.
- Shopkeepers reported a 20% increase in new customers during the vehicle-free weekend, attributing it to the removal of noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
- Citizen representative Daboo Aswani expressed optimism about the initiative, stating that a pedestrian-friendly market can make shopping a more enjoyable experience.
- Pranjal Kulkarni from ITDP India highlighted the importance of catering to people, not vehicles, for the success of markets.
- Urban designer Prasanna Desai reassured traders that pedestrian zones in commercial areas can enhance shopping experiences.
- Actor Abhidnya Bhave emphasized the safety benefits of pedestrian-friendly markets, particularly for women.
- Urban designer Ashik Jain presented designs used in the trial and outlined the impact assessment studies underway.
- Residents voiced their support for the vehicle-free initiative at the interactive session, while also raising concerns about parking and traffic congestion in other parts of the city.
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