Pune: Pimpri Market Shopkeepers Report 20% Rise in New Customers, Demand Continuation of Vehicle-Free Initiative
Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th March 2025 – The first-ever Vehicle-Free Day at Pimpri Market concluded on a highly positive note, with shopkeepers reporting a 20% increase in new customers and urging the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to continue the initiative. The shopkeeper associations have requested another vehicle-free weekend on March 30 and 31, coinciding with New Year celebrations of several communities, and have pushed for the permanent pedestrianisation of the street. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh assured that the request would be explored through a consultative approach.
The demand was raised during a valedictory session titled ‘Chai pe Charcha’, where 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.
Community Enthusiasm Drives Success
Commissioner Singh highlighted the initiative’s success, attributing it to the community’s enthusiasm. “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 said.
Police Inspector Varsharani Patil emphasized 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.
Boost in Business and Customer Footfall
The vehicle-free weekend brought a visible boost to business, with shopkeepers reporting a 20% increase in new customers. Citizen representative Daboo Aswani noted, “Once noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion are removed, more people naturally gravitate toward the market.”
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.
Environmental and Social Benefits
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.
