PMC Launches Special Footpath Repair Drive; Introduces ‘Jaglya’ Concept for Pedestrian Safety
PUNE – In a significant move to reclaim walking spaces for citizens, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Road Department officially launched its Special Footpath Repair Drive today, February 16, 2026. The campaign was inaugurated at Lakaki Road, Model Colony (Ward 12) by Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole, alongside Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, House Leader Ganesh Bidkar, and Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
Clearing the Path
The drive aims to transform Pune’s sidewalks into continuous, barrier-free stretches. Under this initiative, the PMC will focus on:
- Relocating Obstacles: Shifting electric poles, signage, and DP boxes to the edges of the footpaths.
- Leveling Surfaces: Ensuring footpaths are even and “leveled” to prevent tripping hazards.
- Maintenance: Repairing broken tiles and clearing encroachments that force pedestrians onto the busy roads.
The ‘Jaglya’ Initiative: Real-time Monitoring
During the inauguration, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure introduced the innovative ‘Jaglya’ (The Watchman) concept, which will be implemented across all regional offices.
Under this scheme, dedicated ‘Jaglya’ staff will be appointed to monitor specific zones. These employees are tasked with walking through their assigned areas for one to two hours daily to identify:
- New obstructions on footpaths.
- Damaged sections requiring urgent repairs.
- Any issues hindering pedestrian movement.
These observations will be reported immediately to the concerned department officials for swift action.
“Through the Special Footpath Repair Drive and the ‘Jaglya’ concept, we are committed to making Pune a truly walkable city. These steps will ensure that pedestrians can navigate our streets with ease and safety,” said Mayor Nagpure.
The event saw a strong presence of local corporators, PMC officials, and residents who welcomed the move to prioritize pedestrian infrastructure over vehicular flow.
