Figure 2: Framework to solve Pune's Transport and Mobility problem

As part of the Pune Streets Programme, about 100 km of roads are being re-designed, including Satara Road, Solapur Road, JM Road, FC Road, core city area and Sinhagad Road. The designs of some of these roads were reviewed as part of the process for preparation of the Pune Cycle Plan and suggestions were made to the Road Dept in relation to the design of cycle tracks and junctions to enable appropriate movement of cyclists. One of the main aims of creating the Comprehensive Mobility Plan was to prioritise and allocate the investments in the transport sector. This however lacked the operational and maintenance cost of the projects which has now been considered in the Smart city proposals. The operational and maintenance cost is a very important aspect while calculating the lifetime cost of the project as it helps in sustaining the project. Though the Comprehensive Mobility Plan aimed to focus on moving people over vehicles, the emphasis on Non-Motorized Transport was relatively low. This scenario, however, has changed with the advent of the Smart City Mission, in which greater emphasis has been given to Non-Motorized Transport. The proposals prepared by Pune Municipal Corporation for the Smart City Mission deal with bicycles, street design, footpaths, junctions, open space and nonmotorized streets per the definition and function of a smart city and these new transit options are expected to help transform Pune to be plentiful and attractive for people of all income levels. Some initiatives concerning bicycles were included in the Pune Smart City proposal, such as the public bicycle sharing system from 18 to 60 months, taking NMT to 8% from 1% through 27 km bicycle tracks and creating 42 km cycle track. Details are mentioned in Figure 3. However, early in the process of preparation of the Pune Cycle Plan, the possibility of convergence of the intent of the proposed plan and the objectives of the Smart City Mission were evident. The Pune Municipal Corporation thus enhanced the mandate of the Cycle Plan process to prepare a Detailed Project Report for a Public Bicycle System for the entire city, not only for Aundh Baner Balewadi area.

Figure 3: Framework to solve Pune's Transport and Mobility problem (Source: Smart City Proposal by Pune Municipal Corporation, 2015)

It may be noted that while the policy has been supportive of NMT and cycling, Pune is lagging

behind in implementation of projects for cycling improvement. There are substantial opportunities for improving cycling infrastructure in conjunction with Metro and BRT projects as well as in Smart City area which must be acted upon. It is expected that the detailed proposals for cycle improvement presented in the Pune Cycle Plan will help in creation of appropriate institutional structures and directing investment for cycling improvement over the next 5 years.