Budget Shift in Pimpri Chinchwad: Non-Motorised Transport Gets More Funding, Public Transport Lags
Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th December 2024: A recent study by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) has revealed significant gaps in funding for public transport in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite an increase in the city’s budget for walking and cycling projects.
The study found that while funding for non-motorised transport (NMT) initiatives, such as walking and cycling infrastructure, has more than doubled, public transport remains underfunded. The budget allocation for buses has increased from Rs 231 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 359 crore in 2024-25, but this rise is not enough to meet the growing demands of the city’s public transport system.
PCMC partnered with ITDP to analyze budget allocations for mobility projects from 2022-23 to 2024-25. The study indicates that car-centric projects continue to receive a disproportionate share of funding. ITDP recommends reallocating funds from these projects to sustainable transport initiatives to better align with the city’s goals of reducing private vehicle use and increasing walking, cycling, and public transport use.
Pimpri Chinchwad has ambitious plans to make 90% of trips sustainable by 2036. However, congestion, road safety, and air quality issues persist, with nearly 90 vehicles per 100 residents. The city aims to reduce private vehicle trips by 18% and achieve a fair distribution of road space.
The city’s total budget for 2024-25 is ₹8,676 crore, with 17% allocated to transport. Over half of the transport budget is dedicated to sustainable transport infrastructure, up from 48% in the previous year. The non-motorised transport budget of ₹439.7 crore accounts for one-third of the transport budget, marking a significant shift towards sustainability.
PCMC plans to allocate ₹350 crore annually for footpaths and cycle tracks to reach its target of 90% sustainable trips by 2036.
