India's urban landscape is undergoing a transformative shift towards integrated planning and design, emphasizing sustainable and non-motorized transport (NMT) solutions. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the quality of urban life. A notable example is Chennai, which, in 2014, became the first Indian city to adopt a Non-Motorised Transport Policy, aiming to prioritize walking and cycling over motorized transport. This policy set ambitious goals, such as increasing the mode share for pedestrians and cyclists to at least 40% and reducing fatalities among these groups to zero per annum.

Fuelled by best-in-class sustainable urbanization and NMT plans, design, and architecture, and learning from the Indian past effort context, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has, since 2021, embarked on its own NMT initiatives to implement more effective strategies.

Pimpri Chinchwad, located in the Pune Metropolitan Region of Maharashtra, is one of India's fastest-growing urban centers. Strategically positioned as an industrial and IT hub, it plays a significant role in Maharashtra’s economic landscape, making sustainable urban mobility a crucial focus for its future growth.  

Under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, an IAS officer with a master's degree in Structural Engineering from UC Berkeley, PCMC has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable urban mobility. Singh's data-driven approach was highlighted during his presentation at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) held in New Delhi, where he briefly outlined PCMC's vision for a comprehensive NMT network.

Pimpri Chinchwad’s NMT Initiatives: Policy, Budgets, Success Rates, and Lessons from Chennai

To analyze how Pimpri Chinchwad has incorporated lessons from Chennai’s NMT experience, we examine data sources, budgets, success metrics, and policy frameworks, drawing parallels and contrasts between the two cities.

1. Policy

A. Policy Frameworks and Planning

• Pimpri Chinchwad Non-Motorised Transport Policy (2021): This policy outlines PCMC's commitment to creating a vast network connecting different land uses by NMT, aiming for social and economic empowerment through improved low-cost mobility, and advancing towards 'Healthy Streets'.
• Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Master Plan 2021–2041: This plan emphasizes NMT integration with metro and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, ensuring seamless connectivity for non-motorized users.
• Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Reports: ITDP has advised PCMC on designing pedestrian-friendly streets and cycle networks, providing technical support and capacity building for municipal engineers and officers.

B. Budgets and Funding

• PCMC Budget Allocation (2023–2024): The municipal corporation allocated ₹459.4 crore (31.1% of the transport budget) to NMT infrastructure, including footpaths, cycle lanes, and greenways.
• Smart Cities Mission Funding: Pimpri Chinchwad received ₹1,290 crore under the mission, with ₹480 crore earmarked for sustainable mobility projects.

C. Success Metrics and Impact

• Pedestrian Footfall and Cycling Adoption: Post-NMT interventions, there has been a 15–20% increase in pedestrian footfall in pilot zones like Kalewadi and Pimple Saudagar, according to a 2023 survey. Cycle usage rose by 12% near metro stations after the introduction of secure parking facilities.
• Reduction in Traffic Fatalities: There has been a 30% decline in pedestrian fatalities in areas with upgraded footpaths between 2019 and 2023.

D. Challenges and E-Commerce Impact

• Two-Wheeler Congestion: Food delivery motorcycles account for 18% of peak-hour traffic in Pimpri Chinchwad's IT hubs, such as Hinjewadi and Wakad.
• Encroachment Rates: Approximately 10–15% of footpaths remain encroached, down from 30% before 2021, due to stricter enforcement measures.

2. Budgetary Commitments: Contrasting Chennai and Pimpri Chinchwad

Over the past decade, Chennai has dedicated 60% of its transport budget towards non-motorized transport initiatives, primarily funded through state grants and World Bank loans. This significant investment has supported major projects such as Marina Beach walkways and pedestrian-friendly footpaths in T. Nagar, aiming to enhance walkability in commercial and recreational zones.

In contrast, Pimpri Chinchwad has adopted a more recent but equally ambitious approach, allocating 31.1% of its transport budget to NMT initiatives since 2021. Backed by Smart Cities Mission funding, PMRDA allocations, and state grants, the city has focused on infrastructure projects like Hinjewadi cycle tracks and Akurdi transit-oriented corridors, ensuring better integration of NMT with existing public transport networks.

One major area where Pimpri Chinchwad has taken the lead is in e-commerce impact mitigation.

While Chennai has not yet implemented dedicated policies to address the rise of two-wheeler congestion from delivery services, PCMC is proactively testing AI-driven routing pilots to optimize delivery vehicle movements. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) incentives are being offered to delivery partners, reducing the environmental footprint of last-mile logistics.

3. Success Rates and Key Projects

A. Completed NMT Projects

• Hinjewadi IT Park Cycle Track (2022): A 6 km dedicated track connecting offices to metro stations, resulting in over 500 daily cyclists and reducing IT park traffic by 8%.
• Akurdi Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): This project integrates footpaths, cycle lanes, and metro access, leading to a 25% shift from private vehicles to NMT and public transport.
• River Indrayani Greenway: A 10 km pedestrian promenade with zero-encroachment enforcement, attracting over 40,000 weekly visitors and improving air quality by reducing PM2.5 levels by 15%.

4. Learning from Chennai’s Experiences ( this is author's point of view and not what PCMC has on the record. The data is from official sources)

Strict Encroachment Laws

a. Chennai faced widespread encroachments on footpaths and cycle tracks, making them inaccessible to users. Pimpri Chinchwad countered this by imposing ₹2,000 fines per offense, leading to a 50% reduction in violations and ensuring pedestrian-friendly spaces.

NMT-Transit Integration

a. To address Chennai’s lack of last-mile connectivity, Pimpri Chinchwad ensured bicycle parking at all 15 metro stations, introduced cycle-sharing systems, and implemented smart mobility cards for seamless payments across different modes of transport.

Community Participation

Unlike Chennai, which faced vendor resistance, PCMC proactively conducted workshops and consultations with street vendors and business owners, leading to designated vending zones and flexible footpath designs, ensuring better acceptance of NMT projects.

Tech-Driven Monitoring

PCMC leveraged GIS mapping, real-time surveillance, and AI-driven traffic analysis to identify and rectify bottlenecks, ensuring continuous monitoring and adaptation of its NMT infrastructure.

What is lined up in 2025, and in the future

2025 Targets

• Expansion to 200 km of NMT networks, ensuring at least 50% public transport integration.
• Wider footpath network in dense residential areas.
• Introduction of micro-mobility solutions like shared bicycles and e-scooters.

E-Commerce Mitigation Strategies

• Micro-fulfillment centers to reduce delivery vehicle congestion.
• AI-driven routing pilots for delivery optimization.
• EV incentives for delivery services.

Equitable Access & Inclusivity

• Universal Accessibility Standards for the disabled and elderly.
• Low-income area mobility hubs for inclusive NMT access.

Pimpri Chinchwad’s NMT progress demonstrates a data-driven, budget-backed approach, incorporating lessons from Chennai’s pioneering but imperfect implementation. The focus on strict enforcement, technological integration, and community engagement has positioned PCMC as a model for mid-sized Indian cities looking to implement sustainable urban mobility.

However, the long-term success of these initiatives hinges on sustaining funding, ensuring equity in access, and addressing the last-mile connectivity challenge. While municipalities play a key role in urban transport planning, citizen participation is equally vital.

As responsible citizens, we must be mindful of our consumption and utilization habits. Paying taxes alone does not absolve us of our duty—just as sending a child to school does not mean we can ignore their education at home. Collective responsibility is essential to making the Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) policy a success. Whether by opting for cycling over cars, respecting pedestrian pathways, or advocating for better infrastructure, we all have a role to play.

By learning from each other and overcoming challenges despite obstacles, we can ensure that urban India moves towards a cleaner, greener, and more accessible future. ‍

Viksit Nagarik, Viksit Bharat!

‍Pimpri Chinchwad’s NMT progress demonstrates a data-driven, budget-backed approach, incorporating lessons from Chennai’s pioneering but imperfect implementation. The focus on strict enforcement, technological integration, and community engagement has positioned PCMC as a model for mid-sized Indian cities looking to implement sustainable urban mobility.

By learning from each other and overcoming challenges despite obstacles, we can ensure that urban India moves towards a cleaner, greener, and more accessible future. Viksit Nagarik, Viksit Bharat!

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Author: Bitasta Roy Mehta

References

• Pimpri Chinchwad Non-Motorised Transport Policy (2021): PCMC India
• Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Master Plan 2021–2041: PMRDA Official
• Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Reports: ITDP India
• PCMC Budget Allocation (2023–2024): PCMC Budget Document
• Smart Cities Mission Funding: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• WRI India Sustainable Urban Mobility Reports: WRI India
• The Indian Express: "Pimpri Chinchwad’s Cycling Revolution": The Indian Express

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