Pune: Pimpri Market’s First Vehicle-Free Weekend Kicks Off with Enthusiasm

Pimpri Chinchwad, 8th March 2025: The much-anticipated Vehicle-Free Day at Pimpri Market was inaugurated on Saturday, March 8 by MP Shrirang Barne, who lauded the initiative and urged the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to implement similar pedestrian-friendly interventions across the city. The two-day event, organized by PCMC, is being held on March 8 and 9, 2025, from 8 am to 9 pm, covering a 500-meter stretch from Sai Chowk to Maharshi Valmiki Chowk.

Speaking at the inaugural event, MP Shrirang Barne highlighted the increasing traffic congestion and environmental concerns in urban areas. He remarked, “The initiative by PCMC to host a vehicle-free day in the bustling Pimpri Market is commendable. This intervention is a much-needed step toward reducing traffic issues and making markets more accessible for pedestrians. Today, we are witnessing something rare—children playing on roads that were once packed with vehicles. This is a testament to how well-planned urban mobility projects can transform public spaces. I strongly advocate for expanding this initiative to other parts of the city.”

The first day of the event saw overwhelming participation from citizens, traders, and community groups, who enjoyed a wide range of activities. With shaded walkways, seating spaces, and vibrant street art, the market has been completely transformed to provide a comfortable and engaging experience.

A variety of programs were conducted today and will continue tomorrow, including zumba and hasya yoga sessions (starting at 7 am), live music, street plays, and dance performances, cycling activities and interactive games for children, women’s day special events, including Khel Paithanicha, quizzes, and cultural performances, food stalls and entertainment zones for families to enjoy.

Addressing the gathering, PCMC Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate emphasized that the primary goal of the event is to assess the feasibility of pedestrianizing key commercial areas. He said, “The purpose of this event is not only to provide a unique experience to citizens but also to collect feedback through surveys and consultations with traders, businesses, and residents. This will help us create a well-informed plan for future pedestrian-friendly developments in Pimpri Chinchwad.”

The entire market area has been beautified and decorated, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a pleasant and vehicle-free shopping experience. PCMC aims to promote walking and cycling-friendly spaces while raising awareness about pollution control and sustainable mobility.

The event witnessed the presence of several PCMC officials, local representatives, and community leaders, including Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil, former corporators Dabbu Aswani, Sandeep Waghere, and Nikita Kadam, Chief Engineer Pramod Ombhase, Deputy Commissioner Sitaram Bahure, and zonal officer Kishor Nanavare. Experts from ITDP, along with traders, students, women’s groups, and environmental activists, also took part in the inaugural program.

Traffic management and citizen cooperation

PCMC has made special arrangements to manage traffic during the event, with public transport options being encouraged and designated parking areas set up at HAL Pay and Park, Croma Parking, and Pimpri Market Parking.

Citizens have responded positively to the initiative, with many expressing their desire to see regular vehicle-free days in busy commercial areas. PCMC officials will document feedback from the event to determine the next steps in urban mobility planning.

‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with officials

A key highlight of the event is a special citizen dialogue, where residents can interact with PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Traffic DCP Bapu Vitthal Bangar, and other officials to discuss sustainable urban mobility and share feedback on the initiative.

The event concludes tomorrow

With a packed lineup of activities, the Vehicle-Free WmDay at Pimpri Market will conclude on Sunday, March 9, 2025. PCMC urges all citizens to participate in the final day and share their feedback on the initiative.