Large stretches of Pune’s pedestrian infrastructure are falling into disrepair as dug-up pavements, unmanaged waste and utility-related excavation works increasingly disrupt daily movement across several key neighbourhoods. Residents in eastern and central parts of the city say deteriorating footpaths are forcing pedestrians onto busy roads, exposing wider concerns about urban planning priorities and the condition of civic infrastructure in rapidly growing urban corridors. Areas including Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Bund Garden, Yerawada and Dhole Patil Road have witnessed repeated excavation activity linked to underground utility installation and power infrastructure upgrades. In many locations, pavements remain partially damaged or obstructed by debris, dry leaves and construction material, creating accessibility challenges for commuters, senior citizens and school students. Urban planners say the Pune footpath crisis reflects a broader pattern across Indian cities where pedestrian infrastructure is often treated as secondary to road expansion and vehicular movement. As Pune experiences rapid commercial growth, particularly in eastern corridors with increasing IT and residential development, underground utility demands have intensified pressure on existing civic infrastructure.
Municipal officials acknowledged that repeated excavation by utility agencies has damaged several pavements beyond routine repair. Authorities are now planning to rebuild portions of key footpath networks with integrated utility ducts designed to accommodate future power and communication infrastructure without repeated surface-level digging. Transport and urban design experts argue that pedestrian infrastructure plays a critical role in sustainable city development. Poorly maintained walkways not only reduce accessibility but also discourage walking and public transport use, contributing to higher dependence on private vehicles and worsening congestion levels. The Pune footpath crisis has also highlighted growing concerns around civic maintenance and waste management. Residents across several neighbourhoods report that garbage accumulation, tree waste and unattended debris frequently remain on pavements for extended periods, reducing already limited pedestrian space.
Environmental planners note that footpaths are essential urban public spaces rather than merely roadside extensions. Well-designed pedestrian networks improve road safety, reduce emissions by encouraging non-motorised mobility and support more inclusive access for elderly residents, children and people with disabilities. Infrastructure specialists say repeated road and pavement excavation is increasingly becoming a structural governance issue in expanding Indian cities, where multiple agencies often operate independently without integrated utility planning. Coordinated underground infrastructure corridors, commonly used in global urban systems, are being viewed as an important solution for reducing recurring disruptions. The issue is particularly visible in Pune’s high-growth eastern belt, where rising electricity demand from commercial towers, residential complexes and technology parks has accelerated underground cable installation activity. Experts warn that unless future urban expansion integrates mobility planning with utility management, pedestrian infrastructure will continue facing repeated deterioration.
Municipal authorities stated that rebuilding work on several damaged stretches is being planned alongside new utility duct systems intended to reduce future excavation needs. Civic officials also indicated that waste clearance operations have been initiated in areas where pedestrian pathways are blocked by debris and garbage accumulation. Urban mobility experts say Pune’s long-term liveability will depend not only on highways and metro corridors but equally on safe, uninterrupted and climate-responsive pedestrian infrastructure that prioritises everyday public movement across the city.
