From the pedestrian’s safety point of view, the junctions and footpaths on Senapati Bapat road were observed. Close to 2 km of footpath was observed from Chaturshrungi junction to the Maharshi Dadhichi Rishi Junction on both sides of the road. Pedestrians were also contacted directly, and their views recorded. The observations are made based on the Pedestrian Policy Document developed by the Pune Municipal Corporation.
1. Physical Characteristics:
Condition of the footpath: Most of the footpaths are well maintained, clean and free of stink. The width can easily accommodate two-way pedestrian traffic. The construction of footpaths is ongoing. Only 100 -200 meter of footpath from Chaturshungi Junction is damaged and has several obstructions making it discontinuous forcing pedestrians to walk on the road (Carriage way).
Disable-Friendly: Yes, it is disable friendly footpath except 100-meter footpath from Chaturshungi junction. Guiding tactile is used on the surface of the footpath that helps visually challenged people. Ramps are well maintained, and wheelchair bound people can easily use it. Near the junctions the two footpaths are not connected with the ramps and here the wheelchair bound person can find it difficult to move.
Mid-block crossing: It has demarcated mid-block crossings, but they are not raised. Thus, the refuge space and footpath are not connected with the raised surface making it difficult to cross the road for the wheelchair bound person. Also, the refuge space is small and can accommodate only two persons at a time.
Cycle track: This road doesn’t have a separate cycle track.
Other Utilities: Footpaths on both sides of the road have trash bins fixed at a specific distance. It also has well maintained and shaded bus stops with the proper seating arrangement. The user-friendly toilets are not found on both sides of the road.
2. Junctions/Intersections:
SB road has three junctions namely Vitthalrao Tukaram Bhosale Junction (Near Pantaloons Store), Vetal Baba Junction and Maharshi Dadhichi Rishi Junction. At all the three junctions, the signals do not indicate time for pedestrian crossing. So, pedestrians have to manage crossing the road at a risk.
3. Encroachment:
This road has very few encroachments. A flower shop is there on the corner of the footpath but leaves enough space for pedestrian movement. So this footpath can be described as encroachment free.
4. Pedestrian Behavior:
Pedestrians are using footpaths most of the time. It is observed that, around 200-meter of footpath from Chaturshrungi junction, pedestrians prefer to use the carriage way since the footpath is damaged, discontinuous and not barrier free.
5. Views of Pedestrians:
Interaction was done with some of the pedestrians keeping in mind whether they were able to identify issues related to the footpaths and pedestrians’ rights. Mr. Ritesh Otari (a pedestrian from Pune, age 37 years) said he likes to use the footpath when it is continuous and obstruction free. He added and said we do not have clean and stink free footpaths. Footpaths should be attractive, he added. He said that one can complain in PMC, but when asked whether he would like to complain, he simply refused and said, “I don’t have time and it’s of no use since no action will be taken.” He also added that a large group of pedestrians are from poor background (financially) and they are too busy managing their everyday needs, so they don’t have time to complain and do not like to engage in such issues.
The other pedestrian who told his name Mr. Ajit (age- 74 years) said that he finds footpaths quite good and walkable. He identified some general issues on the footpaths which always bother him a lot while walking on the streets. These issues include holes in the footpath, barriers like poles, trees, encroachment, etc. He added and said maybe we can complain in PMC, but I don’t wish to complain as I don’t trust the PMC officials because of their lethargic way of working. He also said that walking on the road and crossing it has become very dangerous these days due to heavy traffic on the roads.
Another woman pedestrian who was waiting for a bus (not a Pune citizen, she was from Jaipur, but didn’t tell her name) when asked about the condition of the footpaths for women pedestrians she said that Pune’s footpaths are better than Jaipur, but it can be made more attractive.
Footpath analysis:
Based on the following three parameters, the footpaths Senapati Bapat road were analyzed.
4. Safety: Footpaths are wide enough on both sides of the road and can easily accommodate two-way pedestrian traffic. Bollards are fixed wherever needed with enough distance between them.
5. Danger: Crossings at junctions is quite dangerous as there is no specific time for pedestrian crossing. Very narrow refuge space can accommodate a maximum of two persons. No raised crossing on the road which makes it difficult to cross the road for the wheelchair bound person.
6. Convenience: Trees on footpath provide shade to pedestrians. Trash bins are fixed at many points along the footpaths. Bus stops are with shade.
The continuity of the pedestrian facilities is very important for pedestrians with disability and old age. The continuity of footpaths also encourages people to use them rather than the carriageways.
General Observations:
It is observed that except few, many pedestrians do not know where to complain about damaged or ill-maintained footpaths. Those who know said PMC, but where in PMC, they do not know the exact department or the concerned authority. Also, pedestrians are of the view that even after having complained and registered to the respective authority, it is of no use since no action takes place. This is a very strong belief in the mind of the pedestrians. As a result, pedestrians do not want to involve themselves in this issue. One of the pedestrians suggested that rather than a complaint by an individual, it would be more effective if some organization picks up this issue and puts it on the table of the concern authority.
Another pedestrian said that it is a problem of mentality. People don’t want to change. They are going to break the rules even if you have a perfect system. When asked about the Pune Connect App whether they know it or use it, it is found that is almost unknown to everyone (those who were contacted). After informing them about the app, many said that they would like to use it. Some said it is very convenient to register a complaint over the phone rather than going to PMC. But again, they have doubts about whether their complaints would be attended to by the PMC.
As noticed, most of the pedestrians use footpaths while walking on the road. From the above observations, it can be said that with the proper infrastructure in place it may be possible to change the behavior of pedestrians and help in disciplining the pedestrian traffic on the footpaths provided it is continuous.
Suggestions given by the pedestrians:
Some of the suggestions heard from the pedestrians are stated below:
Write the quotes on the footpaths directly rather than hanging it somewhere on the roads. (like “Having well maintained footpath is my right”, and so on will be helpful)
Since many people do not know where to complain and they aren’t interested in registering complaints for whatever reason, you can use your banner or poster on the footpath having contact number to register a complaint related to the footpath. Thus, people will submit the complaints to you, and you can register all these complaints to the concerned authority. That would be more convenient.
Contractors are mainly responsible for damaged footpaths. They do not use a good quality material while working on these public infrastructures and so, it has a short life. They should be sensitized first.
The quotes on the roads are not positive. It should be changed. (Like e.g.- Let’s keep Pune Clean. It can be changed in this way- My Pune is Clean and Beautiful.)