Building on the success of the ‘priority zones’ initiative around schools in Pune, aimed at improving children’s safety, boosting public transport usage, reducing traffic congestion, and combating air pollution, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is now considering expanding this concept to encompass government and private establishments throughout the city.
Having proven effective in the school context, the PMC is exploring the viability of applying this innovative approach more broadly. A traffic planner from PMC shared insights into the future steps, stating, “Our aim is to assess the feasibility of extending this pioneering initiative, ensuring accessibility and efficient public transport connectivity. Our initial focus is on establishing a priority zone around the PMC main office in Shivajinagar. Currently, a significant number of employees rely on personal vehicles for their commute. To address this, we are exploring the possibility of introducing dedicated bus services for employees to discourage private vehicle usage and other modes of transport.”
The PMC is considering designating priority zones that encompass key locations like the PMC main office, central building, and collector’s office. Additionally, areas such as Kharadi IT Park, Magarpatta, Phursungi IT offices, and Yerwada IT Park are being evaluated for similar designations. Learning from the Hinjewadi Industries Association, which has already implemented a specialized bus service for its employees, similar strategies might be introduced in IT hubs like Kharadi, Magarpatta, and Yerawada. Private companies could also be encouraged to stagger office timings, allowing employees to commute in smaller groups and thereby reducing traffic congestion.
The traffic planner elaborated, “We’re exploring the feasibility of introducing an e-bus feeder service for these private office zones. However, this requires a comprehensive travel demand management (TDM) study. This study will encompass factors such as office timings, employee count, private vehicle usage, peak-hour traffic patterns, and more in the designated areas. Engaging with both government and private establishments and considering their viewpoints will be crucial.”
Expanding on the ‘school priority zones’ concept, the PMC’s focus is now on identifying similar priority zones for government and private establishments. The ultimate objective is to encourage a shift from private vehicle dependency to a more sustainable reliance on public transportation. This strategic move aims to decongest city roads, ease traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and offer secure travel alternatives. By extending the scope of priority zones beyond schools, the PMC aspires to reshape urban commuting habits, making eco-friendly and efficient transportation a standard practice rather than an exception.
