Latest news with #HaritSetu
The Print
2 days ago
- General
- The Print
Pimpri Chinchwad shows how to put people before vehicles. It's a model for urban India
Our roads must serve people—not just vehicles. In Pimpri Chinchwad, 23 per cent of daily commuters walk, and around 1 per cent cycle. But the streets they navigate daily are fraught with danger. The absence of continuous footpaths, safe pedestrian crossings, and protected cycling lanes exposes them to constant risk. If our mobility systems are to be truly inclusive, they must be built around the needs of those who walk and cycle. Streets that are safe for the most vulnerable are streets that are safe for everyone. Pimpri Chinchwad, a key city in the Pune Metropolitan Region, is a microcosm of this broader national challenge. In 2022 and 2023, the Pune district recorded 3,343 road crash fatalities. Within the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, there was a small decline—fatalities fell from 373 in 2022 to 360 in 2023. Still, nearly one-third of those killed were pedestrians, and another 2 per cent were cyclists. For a city that aspires to be smart, inclusive, and liveable, these numbers are deeply concerning. Every year, more than 1.19 million lives are lost in road crashes across the world. In India alone, over 165,000 people die annually in such incidents—an enormous human and economic tragedy that costs the country an estimated 3 per cent of its GDP. As the world observed the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week from 12 to 18 May, under the theme 'Streets for Life – Make Walking and Cycling Safe', it is time for our cities to confront this crisis head-on, especially for the sake of their most vulnerable road users. Recognising this, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched several people-first mobility initiatives. Also Read: Reckless drivers, beware! This Pune engineer keeps score with his traffic violation hall of shame Building India's first 15-minute city At the heart of PCMC's efforts is Harit Setu—India's first 15-Minute City pilot, located in Pradhikaran, Nigdi. Through this initiative, PCMC is redesigning key corridors to ensure that essential services, public spaces, and transit options are within safe walking or cycling distance. The project is being led by the newly formed Urban Mobility Department, reflecting PCMC's commitment to sustainable and inclusive transport planning. Harit Setu also aims to improve last-mile connectivity by integrating public transport modes—such as the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and metro—with safe, non-motorised transport infrastructure. Complementary measures such as lowering speed limits, redesigning high-risk locations, removing black spots, and introducing Safe School Zones in partnership with the Pimpri Chinchwad Police are making the city's streets safer, step by step. 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. But evidence from cities around the world shows the opposite—well-designed, safer streets make neighbourhoods more vibrant, healthier, and economically resilient. Also Read: 460 road deaths every day—10 Indian states have come up with safety models. It's working Road safety is everyone's job To make a lasting impact, Pimpri Chinchwad must foster a city-wide culture of road safety. Civic authorities cannot do it alone. Citizens, schools, colleges, resident welfare groups, and companies all have a role to play in promoting walking and cycling. Drivers must learn to respect pedestrian crossings and cyclists' right of way. Public awareness campaigns—on speed limits, helmets, seatbelts, and traffic discipline—must be expanded across media platforms. Change will only come when people are empowered to be part of the solution. The city already has the data, pilot projects, and planning tools. 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)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PCMC becomes first civic body in Maha to raise funds through green municipal bonds
1 2 3 Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has become the first civic body in Maharashtra to successfully raise funds through green municipal bonds. The civic body has raised Rs200 crore in this manner, receiving an overwhelming response from investors, a senior PCMC official told TOI. The bonds were floated via private placement on the BSE's Electronic Bidding Platform and attracted bids worth Rs513 crore — oversubscribing the offer by 5.13 times. The base issue of Rs100 crore was fully subscribed within just one minute of opening, indicating strong investor confidence, said the official. Now, the Rs200 crore will fund two major green infrastructure projects — the Harit Setu project in Nigdi Pradhikaran and the redevelopment of Telco Road from Gawali Matha to Indrayaninagar Chowk. Both initiatives are aimed at advancing sustainable and climate-resilient urban development. They are also designed to promote non-motorised transport and improve last-mile connectivity for commuters. PCMC municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that work on the Harit Setu project commenced around six months ago, with a completion deadline of 30 months. The redevelopment of Telco Road is also expected to begin soon, allowing for the immediate diversion of the raised funds to accelerate project timelines. "Harit Setu will be a first-of-its-kind project offering integrated first- and last-mile connectivity. It is set to be completed before the Bhakti Shakti Metro station in Nigdi becomes operational. Since it connects with the BRTS, it will ensure enhanced connectivity for commuters," Singh told TOI. He also highlighted that the bonds were issued at a competitive interest rate of 7.85% for a five-year tenure — lower than the 7.97% rate recently offered to Chennai Municipal Corporation around two weeks ago. Singh said this reflects PCMC's strong financial credibility. The civic body holds a 'AA+ Stable' rating from both CRISIL and CARE Ratings. It may be noted that only a few municipal corporations in India — such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, and Indore — previously raised funds through green bonds. PCMC's standing committee approved the green bond proposal in July 2023, and it received state govt's nod in Feb this year. Singh said PCMC is taking steps towards sustainability and is ready to invest in green projects. The civic body will be spending money much in advance, ensuring there will be no issue about the utilisation of funds, unlike earlier reported at PMC for municipal bonds. As an added incentive under Central govt's push for environmentally responsible financing, PCMC will also be eligible for an additional Rs20 crore grant. Singh noted that the central govt offers up to 25% grant support for green projects, provided over 50% of funding is raised through mechanisms like green bonds. "The Harit Setu project meets these criteria. We will apply for the grant, and if sanctioned, the interest cost on the bonds will also be almost recovered," he said. Earlier, in July 2023, PCMC raised Rs200 crore through regular municipal bonds, which are currently being used to finance the ongoing riverfront development project. Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has become the first civic body in Maharashtra to successfully raise funds through green municipal bonds. The civic body has raised Rs200 crore in this manner, receiving an overwhelming response from investors, a senior PCMC official told TOI. The bonds were floated via private placement on the BSE's Electronic Bidding Platform and attracted bids worth Rs513 crore — oversubscribing the offer by 5.13 times. The base issue of Rs100 crore was fully subscribed within just one minute of opening, indicating strong investor confidence, said the official. Now, the Rs200 crore will fund two major green infrastructure projects — the Harit Setu project in Nigdi Pradhikaran and the redevelopment of Telco Road from Gawali Matha to Indrayaninagar Chowk. Both initiatives are aimed at advancing sustainable and climate-resilient urban development. They are also designed to promote non-motorised transport and improve last-mile connectivity for commuters. PCMC municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that work on the Harit Setu project commenced around six months ago, with a completion deadline of 30 months. The redevelopment of Telco Road is also expected to begin soon, allowing for the immediate diversion of the raised funds to accelerate project timelines. "Harit Setu will be a first-of-its-kind project offering integrated first- and last-mile connectivity. It is set to be completed before the Bhakti Shakti Metro station in Nigdi becomes operational. Since it connects with the BRTS, it will ensure enhanced connectivity for commuters," Singh told TOI. He also highlighted that the bonds were issued at a competitive interest rate of 7.85% for a five-year tenure — lower than the 7.97% rate recently offered to Chennai Municipal Corporation around two weeks ago. Singh said this reflects PCMC's strong financial credibility. The civic body holds a 'AA+ Stable' rating from both CRISIL and CARE Ratings. It may be noted that only a few municipal corporations in India — such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, and Indore — previously raised funds through green bonds. PCMC's standing committee approved the green bond proposal in July 2023, and it received state govt's nod in Feb this year. Singh said PCMC is taking steps towards sustainability and is ready to invest in green projects. The civic body will be spending money much in advance, ensuring there will be no issue about the utilisation of funds, unlike earlier reported at PMC for municipal bonds. As an added incentive under Central govt's push for environmentally responsible financing, PCMC will also be eligible for an additional Rs20 crore grant. Singh noted that the central govt offers up to 25% grant support for green projects, provided over 50% of funding is raised through mechanisms like green bonds. "The Harit Setu project meets these criteria. We will apply for the grant, and if sanctioned, the interest cost on the bonds will also be almost recovered," he said. Earlier, in July 2023, PCMC raised Rs200 crore through regular municipal bonds, which are currently being used to finance the ongoing riverfront development project.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PCMC mobilises Rs 200 crore via sale of green muni bonds
Mumbai: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Tuesday raised ₹200 crore through sale of green municipal bonds , an official said, in what is among the first few such issuances by an Indian city administration. "The bond issue saw robust demand with oversubscription of 5.1 times. The fund raised through the bond issue will be used for an urban mobility project called Harit Setu," Shekhar Singh, commissioner and administrator of PCMC , told ET. "Under this project, the focus will be on creating better walking paths for pedestrians, dedicated cycling tracks, and improving first and last-mile connectivity with metro stations." The base size of the bond issue was ₹100 crore.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
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.
