Pune has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, urban planners, and civil society organisations, who have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to take immediate action. They have called for the implementation of a School Travel Improvement Programme (STIP) to enhance accessibility and ensure the safety of schoolchildren, promoting a shift towards public transport and non-motorised travel such as cycling.
Despite previous commitments, the city’s inadequate infrastructure continues to pose risks, compelling residents to push for a more comprehensive and sustained intervention. In a formal appeal to the municipal authorities, stakeholders have highlighted glaring deficiencies in the city’s school commute infrastructure. Encroachments on footpaths by vendors have left little room for pedestrians, cycle tracks remain absent, and chaotic traffic around school zones remains unchecked. The absence of pedestrian crossings and last-mile connectivity has further exacerbated the issue, increasing the vulnerability of young students commuting to and from school. Those advocating for change stress that superficial modifications, such as repainting roads or installing a few signboards, will not resolve the fundamental safety concerns. A structured and long-term approach is essential to bring about tangible improvements.
A previous attempt by the PMC in 2023 to introduce STIP saw limited implementation, with only two schools adopting its measures. Despite an allocation of ₹50 lakh this year, there is growing scepticism over whether the funds will be utilised effectively. The concerned groups have insisted on a dedicated budget for STIP, integrated within the city’s transport and education infrastructure planning, to prevent financial misallocation. Their proposal underscores the necessity of structural changes such as constructing well-maintained footpaths, designated cycle tracks, clearly demarcated school zones, and traffic-calming interventions including speed breakers and traffic signals. They have also called for awareness campaigns and incentive-driven initiatives to encourage schoolchildren to use public transport and non-motorised modes of travel. The demand for structured drop-off and pick-up zones near schools has also been put forth, along with stricter enforcement against unauthorised parking, which contributes significantly to traffic congestion and safety hazards. Furthermore, advocates stress the need for regular audits to evaluate the effectiveness of STIP’s implementation, ensuring that various government departments collaborate to deliver sustainable solutions. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by a collective sentiment that the safety of schoolchildren is a shared responsibility, and failure to act decisively could have serious repercussions. While the municipal administration has acknowledged the concerns, the pace and scope of its response remain under scrutiny. The growing momentum of civic engagement suggests that residents will continue to push for substantial policy changes until meaningful action is taken to create a safer urban environment for Pune’s young commuters.
Pune Residents Demand Safer School Travel Infrastructure
