12-Plus Notices By RPF To PMC Every Year, Yet Encroachments Return Near Pune Railway Station

Every year, more than 12 notices are issued by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to the encroachment department over unauthorized stalls and encroachments near Pune railway station. However, the problem persists, with vendors frequently returning to the same locations despite removal efforts by the PMC and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Unauthorised stalls occupy footpaths and cabs and auto-rickshaws are parked haphazardly on the roads, causing traffic congestion and inconveniencing passengers trying to reach the station on time.

Railway authorities have been informing the PMC about the issue regularly. The RPF conducts removal drives, either once or multiple times a month, against encroachments, but the PMC is primarily responsible for addressing the situation. Following removals, vendors often return and set up stalls on footpaths, leaving pedestrians with limited space and creating difficulties for passengers, especially during peak hours.

Haphazard parking by cab and auto-rickshaw drivers adds to the congestion, with some drivers leaving vehicles in unsuitable locations or improperly parked while waiting for passengers. This worsens the situation, especially when passengers, pedestrians, buses, and private vehicles vie for limited road space.

Passengers have expressed frustration with the recurring encroachments and traffic congestion. The footpaths are often blocked, and vehicles are parked wherever drivers find space, forcing them to walk on the road to reach the station. Some passengers suggest that the authorities should ensure clear roads and footpaths throughout the day to avoid delays and inconveniences for travellers.