Pune: PMC Celebrates Third Annual Pedestrian Day On Laxmi Road
Sadashiv Peth, 11th December 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has pioneered an innovative urban initiative known as “Pedestrian Day,” marking its third consecutive year of celebration. As part of this initiative, the iconic Laxmi Road in Pune was transformed into a vehicle-free zone, stretching from Nagarkar Talim Chowk to Garud Ganapati Chowk, exclusively for pedestrians.
In a remarkable move towards enhancing pedestrian safety, PMC identified and designated 100 intersections across Pune city. These intersections have been strategically chosen to prioritize the well-being of pedestrians, fostering a safer urban environment.
PMC’s Road Department, responsible for the initiative’s implementation, showcased the plans and accomplishments of the last five years. This included the display of key parameters considered while planning footpaths, emphasizing the importance of sustainable transport and public engagement.
The event featured various educational workshops and activities, reinforcing the significance of road safety. Initiatives such as road safety workshops for children by the Save Kids Foundation, awareness workshops for the disabled by Ekansh Trust, and street plays addressing mental health issues by Saathi Haath Badhana Social Foundation were organized.
To engage the public further, the event included activities like the HAPPY STREET by Times of India and Maharashtra Times, traditional games by Trimbakeshwar Sanstha, and music performances by The Rasta Jammers. Additionally, the launch of e-Scooty, an electric vehicle for metro-to-home travel by Mahametro, and the introduction of additional buses by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) added to the vibrancy of the celebration.
The program was inaugurated by PMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Vikas Dhakne, accompanied by Chief Engineer of the Road Department Aniruddha Pawaskar, Superintending Engineer Sahebrao Dandge, former Chief Engineer of Road Department VG Kulkarni, and Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Environment Department Madhav Jagtap. Representatives from local professional associations were also present at the event.
