Pune’s proposed cycle network has received a fresh push after the Pune Municipal Corporation directed its road department to identify gaps in existing tracks, complete missing links and improve safety for cyclists. The move follows an Institute for Transportation and Development Policy presentation proposing a 75-km network across the city.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. The civic body has instructed its road department to assess the condition of current cycling infrastructure and rectify shortcomings that have made several stretches difficult to use as a connected commuting network.
Pune began planning dedicated cycling infrastructure around 2016-17 through initiatives including the Pune Cycle Plan and the Comprehensive Cycle Master Plan. Although cycle tracks were subsequently created along several roads, many remain disconnected. Cyclists often have to leave the designated routes and share busy main roads with other vehicles, reducing the practical value of the infrastructure.
The existing tracks have also faced physical and operational problems. Sections have been affected by road-widening works, while footpath construction has removed tracks in some locations. Other stretches have been encroached upon by street vendors or occupied by parked vehicles. These gaps have left the city with isolated cycling facilities rather than a continuous network.
During the PMC meeting, ITDP’s presentation highlighted the need to connect existing tracks, improve supporting infrastructure and introduce measures that would make cycling safer. Ganeshkhind Road is among the stretches being considered for further development. A cycle track had earlier been created on one side of the road, and the civic body is now examining the possibility of providing tracks on both sides.
The proposal is also expected to require coordination with development works being undertaken by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Coordination with Tata has been suggested to align cycling infrastructure with other projects. However, the final scope of the Ganeshkhind Road proposal, its cost and implementation timeline have not yet been decided.
The renewed review comes as the civic administration seeks to address traffic congestion, reduce dependence on private vehicles and encourage less polluting travel. For the plan to become usable infrastructure, the immediate task identified by the PMC is to link existing tracks and keep them accessible and safe. The road department’s condition assessment and decisions on missing links will determine the next stage of the proposal.
