Pune Civic Neglect? AAP Hits Out at PMC After Pedestrian Hit by Tempo
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Aundh Road, 26th November 2025: Increasing footpath encroachments in the Aundh–Bopodi area have raised serious safety concerns for senior citizens, women, and children, prompting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to demand urgent intervention from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The issue gained attention after a major accident on November 3 near MM Hotel, where pedestrian Anita Malhotra was hit by a speeding tempo. She sustained severe leg injuries, including fractures. Police have registered a case, while CCTV footage revealed she was forced to walk on the road due to the blocked footpath.
AAP members said that several stretches from Aundh Road to Khadki Railway Station are encroached upon by flower vendors and other businesses. With footpaths rendered unusable, pedestrians are compelled to walk on roads where vehicles move at high speed, leading to a heightened risk of accidents. The party said Malhotra’s incident is a direct outcome of these conditions.
After the accident, AAP representatives Mukund Kirdat, Anne Anish, Vikas Chavan, Anish Varghese and other volunteers visited the accident spot and met the injured pedestrian to assess the situation. The party has filed a written complaint with the Aundh Road Ward Office, urging immediate removal of encroachments and proper planning of U-turn points in the area.
AAP also highlighted that the Maharashtra Government, following Supreme Court directives, has asked municipal corporations to form grievance redressal committees for pedestrian safety and footpath maintenance. However, the party alleged that PMC has not implemented these guidelines effectively.
AAP’s key demands include:
Removal of all footpath encroachments
Proper maintenance and leveling of footpaths
Immediate repair of electrical pole wiring along footpaths
Establishment of a dedicated pedestrian grievance redressal cell
Allocation of at least 1% of PMC’s annual budget for traffic safety and awareness
The party has appealed to residents and housing societies in the Aundh–Bopodi locality to support the movement, stating that strong community participation will help ensure timely action from the municipal authorities.
