PCMC launches 15-minute city pilot in Nigdi
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched India's first 15-minute city pilot at Pradhikaran, Nigdi, under its Harit Setu initiative.
The project, led by PCMC's newly formed urban mobility department, aims to create inclusive, people-centric streets within walking or cycling distance of essential services, officials said on Wednesday.
A 100-meter sample stretch has been transformed with pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, vibrant public spaces, stormwater management systems, preserving existing trees and engaging closely with the local community.
The pilot also strengthens last-mile connectivity to the Bhakti Shakti Metro station, showcasing PCMC's integrated approach to urban mobility.
The officials said the project was developed in collaboration with Prasanna Desai Architects, ITDP India, Pavetech Design Consultants, and the Centre for Environment Education, with execution support from BG Shirke Construction.
Further cementing Pimpri Chinchwad's commitment to international best practices, municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh formally endorsed the Global Street Design Guide, positioning PCMC among global leaders in people-first urban mobility.
'We are proud to be pioneering a project that puts people at the centre of urban planning. Expanding walking and cycling networks is essential for creating healthier, safer, and more inclusive streets,' said Singh.
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PCMC is also part of two global road safety programmes: the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) and the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI). Pimpri Chinchwad is the only Asian city selected for BICI—a recognition of its leadership in promoting cycling. With support from partners like the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy-India (ITDP), and Prasanna Desai Architects, the city is implementing world-class design principles to protect all road users. In a landmark move, PCMC has officially endorsed the Global Street Design Guide, further aligning its planning framework with international best practices. Redesign the roads, not just rules Despite progress, challenges remain—especially speeding, which continues to be a leading cause of road deaths. A rethink is needed in how we classify and design roads. Instead of relying solely on categories like arterial and sub-arterial, cities must adopt a context-sensitive approach that aligns street design with actual user behaviour. Research shows that a small number of high-speed roads often account for the majority of pedestrian fatalities. These roads need to be redesigned with appropriate speed limits and built-in traffic-calming features, in line with Indian Road Congress standards. Strong enforcement is equally vital. Installing speed cameras, expanding CCTV coverage, and ensuring coordination between PCMC, the Traffic Police, and the Regional Transport Office will help create a safer and more accountable road environment. Good street design can itself act as a form of self-enforcement—encouraging safer behaviour without the need for constant policing. Of course, change is not always welcomed. Some stakeholders argue that narrower lanes and lower speed limits cause traffic delays or harm economic activity. 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Now, what's needed is collective resolve—from policymakers, enforcers, and citizens alike—to put people before vehicles. If Pimpri Chinchwad succeeds in cutting road crash fatalities by half by 2030, it will not only save hundreds of lives—it will also chart a new path for urban India. The journey to zero traffic deaths is long, but it begins with a single, safe step. Let this be the moment Pimpri-Chinchwad chooses Streets for Life—and in doing so, chooses a safer, healthier future for all. Shekhar Singh, IAS, is the Municipal Commissioner and Administrator of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Jashwanth Tej Kasala is Program Manager, Global Designing Cities Initiative. Views are personal. (Edited by Asavari Singh)
