Pune: The Akurdi-Nigdi area is facing increasing challenges due to widespread encroachments, illegal parking, and severe traffic congestion, making daily life difficult for residents.

Pedestrian pathways, which were designed to accommodate foot traffic, have been taken over by parked vehicles and makeshift food stalls, leaving little to no space for citizens to walk.

The situation is particularly bad near Akurdi railway station, where encroachments and traffic jams are now a routine problem.

Illegal parking has spread onto the cycle tracks along the road to Nigdi Pradhikaran, and food stalls near the Gurudwara have taken over the sidewalks, adding to the traffic chaos.

Hotels around the Akurdi railway station are also contributing to congestion by blocking footpaths with their equipment.

The problem has escalated to the point where four-wheelers are parked on both sides of the road and even on cycle tracks, further exacerbating the traffic bottleneck.

The Gurudwara area, home to many businesses, has seen its large pedestrian pathways transformed into parking spots for vehicles, leaving pedestrians to navigate dangerously close to traffic.

Local resident Ravindra Hinge voiced his concerns: “In an effort to create a Smart City, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has made roads narrower and footpaths wider.

Unfortunately, this has only encouraged encroachments. Footpaths in our area, especially from Ojas Hospital to Basket Bridge and in front of PCCOE College, are either occupied by people or food carts, making it impossible to walk safely.

The authorities must take immediate action." Jayant Maralikar, the Encroachment Inspector from the A Regional Office, acknowledged the problem.

“We have conducted surveys, and some individuals have been issued legal permits. However, many others are encroaching without any authorization.

Despite repeated crackdowns, some continue to return and occupy these spaces. We are committed to ongoing monitoring and will take further action.”