Vehicle-Free Day: Pimpri Market Shopkeepers Report 20% Rise in New Customers, Demand Continuation of Initiative

Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th March 2025: The first-ever Vehicle-Free Day at Pimpri Market concluded on a highly positive note, with shopkeeper associations urging the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to conduct another edition on March 30 and 31, coinciding with the New Year celebrations of several communities. They also pushed for permanent pedestrianisation of the street, a request that Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh assured would be explored through a consultative approach.

The demand was raised during a valedictory session titled ‘Chai pe Charcha’. Commissioner Singh engaged in an open discussion with local stakeholders, including Traffic Police Inspector Varsharani Patil, citizen representative Daboo Aswani, Marathi actor Abhidnya Bhave, shopkeeper association representatives Neeraj Chawla and Purshottam Bodhwani, as well as urban experts Prasanna Desai and Ashik Jain.

Speaking at the event, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted that the initiative’s greatest success lay in the community’s enthusiasm for continuing it.

“The images you saw from Chandni Chowk’s pedestrian transformation can become a reality here. However, good changes take time and require strong community backing. This will be a consultative process,” he assured.

Police Inspector Varsharani Patil noted the extensive planning behind the initiative, with PCMC and Traffic Police teams preparing for over two weeks to manage traffic flow and engage shopkeepers. Four free parking lots were identified, and additional personnel were deployed to ensure smooth circulation.

Shopkeepers report 20% rise in new customers

The vehicle-free weekend brought a visible boost to business, with shopkeepers reporting a 20% increase in new customers.

“Once noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion are removed, more people naturally gravitate toward the market,” said citizen representative Daboo Aswani.

The shopkeeper association acknowledged initial apprehensions but now sees potential in the initiative.

“Our families have been in this trade for generations, but increasing traffic congestion is discouraging the next generation from continuing. A pedestrian-friendly market can make shopping a more enjoyable experience and keep our businesses thriving,” they stated.

Cleaner Air, Safer Spaces, and a New Shopping Experience

Pranjal Kulkarni from ITDP India emphasized that markets thrive when they cater to people, not vehicles. Initial observations showed a noticeable reduction in air and noise pollution, with detailed impact data expected soon.

Urban designer Prasanna Desai reassured traders that pedestrian zones in commercial areas function as “open malls under the sky,” a globally successful concept that enhances shopping experiences.

Actor Abhidnya Bhave highlighted the safety benefits, particularly for women. “Markets in global cities are attractive because they allow us to walk and shop freely. If Pimpri Chinchwad is taking steps in this direction, we must support it,” she said.

Urban designer Ashik Jain presented designs used in the trial and outlined the impact assessment studies underway. Data on footfall, customer patterns, and stakeholder feedback will inform PCMC’s next steps, overseen by the Urban Mobility and Projects Department.

Public engagement and next steps

During the interactive session, residents voiced their support while raising concerns about parking and traffic congestion in other parts of the city. Commissioner Singh and Traffic Inspector Patil assured swift action on these issues.

With strong community backing, business benefits, and environmental gains, the Pimpri Market vehicle-free experiment has set the stage for potential long-term pedestrianisation, making the shopping hub more accessible, vibrant, and sustainable.

For more details: https://www.youtube.com/live/DALlZq0N8zQ