By Sidhima Choudhary
In an unprecedented initiative, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will host a ‘vehicle-free day’ on Saturday and Sunday (March 8-9) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to promote alternative and sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and public transit. The event will take place in the Pimpri market area, specifically along the stretch from Sai Chowk to Maharshi Valmiki Chowk.
With the rising vehicle registrations, which have increased to an approximate 2.34 million, with an estimate of 2.5 to 3 million growth. This shows that there is nearly one vehicle for every person. Keeping the inflating issue in concern, PCMC emphasised on the urgency to promote sustainable mode of transportation by implementing a vehicle free day.
PCMC Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “This day provides an opportunity for the people to reimagine the streets of Pune without any vehicles where people are prioritised before in order to step ahead towards a safer, healthier and livable Pimpri-Chinchwad.” He further invited the citizens to be a part of this initiative.
After the event starts on Saturday from 9 am onwards the vehicles will be restricted an entry from Maharshi Valmiki Chowk to Shagun Chowk- Sai Chowk. The most critical junction, Shagun Chowk will partially be open for traffic movement with only right turning traffic will be allowed for the vehicles approaching from the flyover.
Several other provisions have been mandated for the visitors in the nearby parking locations. Whereas, PMPML and metro shuttle services will keep on working. Bapu Vitthal Bangar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic called it a ‘2 day trial’ being conducted and asked for people’s cooperation to experience an unique and important road safety initiative.
The event is told be very interactive, a pedestrian-friendly market experience where people will have ample space to wake, sit, explore informative stalls with topics like sustainable mobility and road safety. It will also include diverse activities and games like zumba, live music etc for all age groups.