Pune Civic Administration Launches Special Footpath Repair Drive
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has officially launched a targeted initiative to repair and maintain footpaths across the city, starting with key areas in Shivajinagar. This drive was inaugurated on Monday in the presence of Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure and Civic Chief Naval Kishore Ram, highlighting the administration's commitment to improving pedestrian infrastructure.
Pilot Project Focuses on Key Stretches
Officials from the PMC's road department have identified specific locations for the initial phase of repairs. Pavements along Lakaki Road and the stretch from Thorat Chowk to Vetalbaba Chowk are being addressed on a pilot basis. The primary objectives include fixing broken tiles and ensuring proper pavement height to eliminate obstacles for walkers. The administration plans to extend this footpath repair work to other parts of Pune in a phased manner, aiming for a systematic upgrade of pedestrian pathways.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Inconsistent Maintenance
Pedestrians from various neighborhoods have expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of footpaths, urging the civic body not to limit repairs to select stretches. Pramod Konde, a regular walker from Shivajinagar, pointed out that broken tiles and paver blocks at multiple locations create significant hurdles. He emphasized that while such drives are launched periodically, they often lose momentum after a few months, leaving issues unresolved.
Konde stated, "The administration must ensure that this latest initiative has a lasting impact. Delays in repairs, especially after utility work, and persistent encroachments are major concerns that need addressing."Call for Comprehensive Pilot and Encroachment Removal
Suraj Kelkar, a resident of Tilak Road, suggested that the PMC should develop all footpaths in a designated pilot area to assess effectiveness comprehensively. He stressed the importance of removing all encroachments, obstacles, and illegal hawkers from footpaths to ensure safe and unobstructed passage for pedestrians.
PMC's Response and Ongoing Anti-Encroachment Efforts
PMC officials have acknowledged these concerns, noting that regular drives are conducted against encroachments and illegal hawkers occupying footpath space. For instance, an anti-encroachment drive was carried out on Saturday along FC Road and near Modern College to clear obstructions. However, some residents have raised additional issues, claiming that guidelines from the Indian Road Congress are not consistently followed for footpaths along several non-arterial roads in the city.
This initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance urban walkability and pedestrian safety in Pune, with ongoing community feedback shaping future actions.
