In Kothrud, hawkers & vehicles add to misery

Kothrud is probably the most pedestrian-unfriendly area of Pune with absence of footpaths and encroachment on existing ones. From Karve Road to Paud Road to internal lanes, pedestrians risk their lives walking on the roads amidst heavy traffic.

Couple of years ago, wide and long stretches of footpaths were constructed on Karve Road and Paud Road. "Though the foothpaths are not completely encroached, one can see hawkers and vendors set up their stalls there. Besides two-wheelers are also parked there," said Mandar Ghorpade, a resident.

Anand Nagar on Paud Road is one such area where vegetable vendors and their customers create chaos in the evening. "It is impossible to walk through this stretch in the evening. We prefer to go for a walk here in the morning and stay indoors during the evening." said Kishore Dombe, a senior citizen staying in this area.

In Erandwane, it is either flower vendors or hoteliers' encroachment that bother the pedestrians. "In some patches near Karishma Society, Erandwane, there are no encroachments but the youngsters coming to nearby eateries crowd the footpaths thereby making it a pedestrian's nightmare," said Michelle Lobo, a resident.

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