Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is grappling with a complex challenge following a recent directive by the Bombay High Court, which ordered the removal of over 3,500 distribution panels (DPs) installed on city footpaths.
The court ruling, aimed at improving pedestrian safety, comes as a response to concerns raised by citizens and social activists who argued that the panels, which are part of the city’s basic infrastructure, have become an obstruction to safe pedestrian movement. This development has forced the PMC into a race against time to find new locations for these DPs, a process that is expected to cost upwards of ₹300 crore. The root of the issue lies in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed three years ago, which brought attention to the safety hazards posed by the panels on busy footpaths. The PIL, spearheaded by a social activist, highlighted how the existing panels were not only a physical obstruction but also a threat to pedestrians, especially the elderly and disabled. The Bombay High Court’s ruling mandates that the distribution panels, which include those related to electricity, streetlights, telecom systems, and traffic control, be relocated to ensure that pedestrians have clear and accessible walking spaces.
The ruling has placed significant pressure on PMC’s road and electrical departments, which now face the daunting task of relocating these infrastructure elements to alternative sites. However, this task is far from straightforward. The city’s footpaths, particularly in central areas, are densely populated with commercial buildings and other structures, leaving little space for additional infrastructure. Moreover, property owners are often hesitant to allocate land for such projects, making it even more difficult to find viable alternatives for the DPs. PMC officials are estimating that the cost of relocating a single DP ranges between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh, depending on the complexity of the task. The relocation of larger infrastructure, such as transformers, could run upwards of ₹7 to ₹8 lakh per unit. With the total number of DPs across the city exceeding 3,500, the overall cost of this operation is expected to cross the ₹300 crore mark. The PMC has already started discussions with senior officials and experts to devise an effective strategy for carrying out the task within the stipulated time frame while adhering to the court’s directive.
The ruling has forced a reevaluation of Pune’s approach to urban infrastructure. Footpaths, often overlooked in the urban planning process, are crucial for pedestrian mobility. This recent development highlights the growing need for cities to prioritise pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in order to foster more equitable and sustainable urban environments. While the relocation of DPs is a necessary step, it also underscores the challenge of balancing urban development with the needs of pedestrians, who often find themselves sidelined in cities dominated by vehicle-centric planning. Officials from the PMC have indicated that the relocation process will not be an easy one. The existing footpaths, some of which were constructed years ago, have not been designed with such infrastructure in mind, making the integration of new panels a difficult proposition. Moreover, many of the panels currently obstructing footpaths belong to various departments, including the electricity department (MahaVitaran), the city’s streetlight system, the police’s traffic control signals, and private telecom companies, further complicating the relocation process.
The PMC’s road and electrical departments have started working on identifying potential relocation sites. However, with the constraints of limited space, especially in Pune’s older, more congested areas, finding viable options is a painstaking process. Furthermore, the cost of relocating such a large number of infrastructure units poses a financial challenge for the municipal corporation, which will need to secure substantial funds to implement the plan. The ₹300 crore required for the relocation plan represents a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure, which has the potential to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the overall urban environment. The cost of relocating the DPs is part of a broader effort to make Pune’s streets safer and more accessible, which aligns with the city’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive urban landscape. However, this process will require careful planning and the cooperation of various stakeholders, including local businesses, property owners, and the city’s infrastructure departments.
While the relocation project is expected to take several months, it will ultimately pave the way for safer, more pedestrian-friendly footpaths in Pune. The court’s directive could serve as a turning point for the city, which will need to rethink how it designs and manages public spaces to cater to the growing demands of its residents. With increasing urbanisation, cities like Pune must find ways to balance the needs of motorists and pedestrians, ensuring that both can coexist in a safe and sustainable environment. The success of this relocation project will not only resolve the immediate issue of footpath obstruction but will also be a step towards making Pune a model city for others in India. As cities across the country face similar challenges in improving urban infrastructure, the PMC’s efforts in relocating these DPs could provide valuable lessons in urban planning and pedestrian safety.
Pune Civic Body Tackles Footpath Obstruction with Rs 300 Crore Relocation Plan
