The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to host its first Vehicle-Free Day on Saturday and Sunday (March 8 & 9) from 8am to 9pm in the Pimpri Market area, covering the stretch from Sai Chowk to Maharshi Valmiki Chowk.

Why Vehicle-Free Day?

Pimpri-Chinchwad has nearly 23.39 lakh vehicle registrations till date, while its population stands at 25 lakh. This is nearly one vehicle per person. With vehicles increasing at such a rapid rate, there is an urgent need to promote alternate and sustainable modes of transport like walking, cycling and public transport, which is what the Vehicle-Free Day will be about.

The Pimpri Market area specifically was selected for this as it sees nearly 8,000 citizens using the market every hour, making it one of the busiest and most frequented places in the city, not just by vehicles but also pedestrians. The vehicle-free day will aim to give back precious road space to the pedestrians to walk, run, play freely, all while enjoying the market area. The market area is also the third most polluted region in the city with average PM 2.5 levels in 2024, at 45.9 µg/m³ in Savta Mali Nagar (nearest pollution monitoring station).

Shekhar Singh, Municipal Commissioner, PCMC said, “Vehicle-Free Day is an opportunity to reimagine our streets. By prioritising people over vehicles, we take a step towards a safer, healthier and more livable Pimpri-Chinchwad. We invite all citizens to experience this transformation firsthand."

Vehicle-Free Day planned in consultation with stakeholders

Speaking about the role of effective community engagement and stakeholder engagement, Singh highlighted how the entire plan of Vehicle-Free Day was taken up in consultation with the locals in the area. Multiple rounds of meetings were undertaken with local market associations to understand their opinions on such a vehicle-free day.

How to reach?

On the day of the event, from 9 am onwards, all vehicle movements will be stopped from Maharshi Valmiki Chowk to Shagun Chowk and Shagun Chowk to Sai Chowk. In between, the critical junction of Shagun Chowk will be partially open for traffic movement, where only right turning traffic will be allowed for all vehicles which are approaching from the flyover. Provisions for parking for the visitors have been provided at the nearby parking locations.

PMPML and Metro shuttle services will also be provided. The nearest metro station to reach the venue is PCMC Bhavan metro station. Those using buses can get off at Lal Mandir, PCMC Vegetable Market, Bhat Nagar bus stops.

Bapu Vitthal Bangar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Traffic Branch, Pimpri Chinchwad Police said, “This is a trial being conducted for two days, we expect people to co-operate and experience this unique and important road safety initiative next week. We urge all citizens to avail public transport options to reach the venue."