Pune : Experts Call For Efficient Public Transport and Ban on Private Vehicles In Wakeup Punekar Conference

In a recent conference organized by the Wakeup Punekar movement at the Madhavrao Patwardhan Hall of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, experts and stakeholders convened to discuss the pressing issue of traffic congestion in Pune. Key speakers highlighted the urgent need for strict implementation of policies aimed at bolstering public transport, comprehensive urban planning, regulating private vehicles, promoting pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure, and enhancing traffic awareness.

Former MLA Mohan Joshi, alongside urban planning expert Pranjali Deshpande, Jugal Rathi from PMPML Pravasi Manch, Nitin Pawar representing Rickshaw Panchayat, and other notable figures, engaged in discussions focusing on the challenges posed by traffic congestion, road safety, and the improvement of public transportation systems.

Nitin Pawar, addressing the policies concerning rickshaw drivers, emphasized the need to shift the blame away from them and towards a more holistic approach to transportation planning. He stressed the importance of adequate licensing and integration of rickshaws into Pune’s overall transport network.

Jugal Rathi underscored the significance of enhancing bus services, advocating for a proportional increase in the number of buses to accommodate passenger demand. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining bus stands and critically evaluating the efficacy of new transportation initiatives.

Sunit Bhave highlighted the role of media in addressing traffic congestion, urging for greater collaboration between media outlets and transportation authorities to raise public awareness and facilitate smoother traffic flow.

Mangesh Kolapkar emphasized the necessity of widening Pune’s roads to accommodate the increasing number of commuters, particularly those reliant on public transport.

Pranjali Deshpande proposed limiting private vehicle usage as a crucial solution to alleviate traffic congestion, advocating for a greater focus on enhancing public transportation options to incentivize their usage.

Mohan Joshi, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the achievements of the Wakeup Punekar movement in addressing traffic issues and called upon Pune residents to actively participate in promoting public transport initiatives.

With Prathamesh Abnave moderating the discussions and Ayub Pathan proposing a vote of thanks, the conference concluded with a clear consensus on the imperative of prioritizing public transport empowerment and curbing private vehicle reliance to mitigate Pune’s traffic woes.