Pune, 25th May 2026: The footpath outside the PMPML bus depot on the road from Radha Chowk towards Baner in Balewadi has come under heavy encroachment, creating major inconvenience for pedestrians.
Hawkers, handcarts, roadside vendors and illegally parked two-wheelers have occupied the footpath, forcing people to walk on the busy main road.
The issue has become more serious due to the large crowds visiting the nearby D-Mart store, especially during evenings and weekends. Increased vehicle movement and traffic congestion in the area have made commuting difficult for pedestrians, including children, senior citizens, women and differently-abled persons.
Several vendors selling food items, clothes, idols and other goods have set up stalls on the footpath, leaving little space for pedestrians. Residents claim that despite occasional action by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) encroachment department, the situation returns to normal within a few days.
Locals also pointed out that shopkeepers placing extra goods outside their stores and customers parking vehicles on the footpath have further worsened the problem. Residents alleged that traffic rules are not being enforced strictly, allowing illegal parking and congestion to continue unchecked.
Citizens have now urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and traffic police to carry out joint action to remove encroachments, create designated no-parking zones and restore safe pedestrian access in the area.
“The footpath is meant for pedestrians, but here it has been completely taken over by unauthorised vendors. The municipal administration should conduct regular anti-encroachment drives and implement a permanent solution to this issue,” said local resident Lavanya Karpe.
“At present, we are engaged in census-related work. Once that is completed, regular anti-encroachment action will be carried out in this area,” said Nitin Khairnar, Encroachment Inspector, Pune Municipal Corporation.
