Pune is no longer a haven for morning jogs and sprints. Broken , encroached and unclean pavements, unruly and speeding vehicle users, poor streetlighting and rise in crime deter fitness enthusiasts, who struggle to find dedicated tracks
A brisk walk, jog or sprint in the city for fitness enthusiasts has become a perilous obstacle course. Confronted with broken and blocked footpaths, uneven roads and speeding motorists, runners and pedestrians said navigating Pune on foot is no longer the pleasure it was. There are too few green spaces and grounds that are well-maintained and accessible for regular use. Runners ask: Are the streets solely meant for vehicles?
UNEVEN FOOTPATHS A HEALTH HAZARD
Most pavements are riddled with obstructions, broken paving or unplanned gaps. Reshma Zamindar, a Wakad resident, said, “There are few spots where one can run on the footpath without any hindrance. As footpaths are not continuous, I keep getting on and off them as I run. This stresses the knee joints. As a speedrunner, roads are preferred to jogging tracks in parks. I try to go as early as possible to avoid running into people and get a smooth run.”
Runners say uneven surfaces could lead to injuries and impact their joints, or those of vulnerable demographics.
Orthopaedic surgeon at Sancheti Hospital, Dr Ajay Kothari, said that in India, running on roads poses two major challenges — safety-related and medical. “Running on hard surfaces can lead to early knee, hip and spine joint cartilage damage, which in turn causes premature wear and tear of joints. This can further cause back and knee pain. It can also lead to arthritis in the long run,” he told TOI.
“As far as safety goes, since many citizens run on roads for the lack of better tracks, a lot of them come in with injuries from accidents. This also includes cyclists,” he added.
Besides irregular surfaces, pavements come with the additional constraint of unchecked encroachments, dumped debris and piled-up trash.
Bopodi resident Amit Chaurasia , who runs around 6am daily, said his area’s footpaths are usually very dirty. “There is either garbage everywhere or dog poop, which is difficult to navigate at speed,” he said, adding, “Two- and four-wheelers are illegally parked on footpaths on Spicer Road, pushing us to run in the way of vehicles. Heavy and speeding vehicles do not care for pedestrians. It is a risk we take each time.”
The businessman rued, “I might as well run on the road if I have to keep stepping off the footpath anyway.”
SPEEDING VEHICLES AN ACCIDENT RISK
On April 1, a 49-year-old jogger was killed when a car hit him from the rear around 6.45am as he ran on a road in Undri. He lived barely 1.5km from the location, which is a blind spot for vehicles, said the police.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by runners citywide. Members of Anybody Can Run , a group of runners, said that in Kharadi as well, they are forced to run on the road due to the lack of pavements.
“Those that exist are either dug up or encroached upon,” said techie Prasad Wathare, adding, “We have had a few near escapes because of rash driving in the early hours. Sometimes, drivers are drunk and hurl abuses at us for coming in the way. But where else do we run? Setting up something like Balewadi stadium this side of town may help.”
STREETLIGHTING A GAME OF CHANCE
Another struggle is illumination. Out to run before the break of dawn, finance professional Mandar Garud said he and his co-runners see streetlights that are either defunct or turned off at 6am, while it’s still dark.
“Community dogs chase us sometimes. Trying to avoid them, we are also continually dodging potholes, trash and encroachments. Even on the Pashan ‘Necklace Road’, footpaths are currently dug up and rash driving is rampant.”
The member of Bavdhan Brigade, a runners’ group, said, “Jogging tracks offer limited space. Since we run in groups, the roads — whatever condition they may be in — are our best bet.”
Early morning runners in other areas agreed. Some said the rise in chain snatchings and other crimes against morning walkers have made them hyper-alert; they even opt to run only after sunrise.
In June 2024, a 77-year-old morning walker in Aundh was violently attacked by six youngsters looking for money and later succumbed to his injuries.
“Increased police patrolling to keep criminal activities in check this time of day is necessary,” said a runner, choosing anonymity.
‘SELF-PROTECTION IS BEST BET FOR NOW’
As infrastructure and dwindling safety plague runners, some groups and individuals have taken matters into their own hands. Bavdhan Brigade members, who run four days a week, go out in groups of two or three.
“We must take certain measures as nothing else is up to standard. We all wear t-shirts marked with neon strips for easy visibility in the dark and run in the direction facing oncoming traffic, so that we have time to react. I have been running for nearly a decade — while today’s infrastructure issues are the same as when I started, rash driving cases have risen,” Narendra Nandekar , a businessman and group mentor, told TOI.
“Authorities must do better to light up streets and install proper signs where civic works are ongoing; police must patrol even early morning to catch drunk and rash drivers,” he added.
Nathan Stevens, a fitness coach who runs, told TOI, “Amid poor visibility due to non-functional streetlights when we go for early runs, wearing bright apparel with radium strips is a great way to stay safe. Also, I have stopped using headphones to be more aware of my surroundings. Motorists tend to speed in the morning as roads are less congested.”
"With a rise in traffic and heat, running after 8am is a huge challenge and risk. Few roads are safe to run on in the morning, that too only before 7.30am. Most heavy vehicles ply at this time. Adding to stress are poor roads with open drains, stressing us out to stay extra focused to avoid injury. Pavements have also become dumping grounds for debris, wires and garbage, tripping us at any step. I prefer a certain running route (inside SPPU campus) as I know the terrain well, although you can never really be safe around vehicles," he added.
Coach of Anbody Can Run Group, based out of Kharadi, Sidhesh Pandit said, "There are several pubs in Kharadi and as a result, we have had several near-saves while running from vehicle users driving under the influence of alcohol and rash driving, too. Sexual harassment of women runners is also an increasing issue. All of this poses a serious safety concern. Construction not only make the air toxic in the morning, but even ongoing civic works pose a risk to runners. Uneven roads make it difficult for beginners to get the hang of running. Lack of public washrooms is another issue that needs to be addressed.
A brisk walk, jog or sprint in the city for fitness enthusiasts has become a perilous obstacle course. Confronted with broken and blocked footpaths, uneven roads and speeding motorists, runners and pedestrians said navigating Pune on foot is no longer the pleasure it was. There are too few green spaces and grounds that are well-maintained and accessible for regular use. Runners ask: Are the streets solely meant for vehicles?
UNEVEN FOOTPATHS A HEALTH HAZARD
Most pavements are riddled with obstructions, broken paving or unplanned gaps. Reshma Zamindar, a Wakad resident, said, “There are few spots where one can run on the footpath without any hindrance. As footpaths are not continuous, I keep getting on and off them as I run. This stresses the knee joints. As a speedrunner, roads are preferred to jogging tracks in parks. I try to go as early as possible to avoid running into people and get a smooth run.”
Runners say uneven surfaces could lead to injuries and impact their joints, or those of vulnerable demographics.
Orthopaedic surgeon at Sancheti Hospital, Dr Ajay Kothari, said that in India, running on roads poses two major challenges — safety-related and medical. “Running on hard surfaces can lead to early knee, hip and spine joint cartilage damage, which in turn causes premature wear and tear of joints. This can further cause back and knee pain. It can also lead to arthritis in the long run,” he told TOI.
“As far as safety goes, since many citizens run on roads for the lack of better tracks, a lot of them come in with injuries from accidents. This also includes cyclists,” he added.
Besides irregular surfaces, pavements come with the additional constraint of unchecked encroachments, dumped debris and piled-up trash.
Bopodi resident Amit Chaurasia , who runs around 6am daily, said his area’s footpaths are usually very dirty. “There is either garbage everywhere or dog poop, which is difficult to navigate at speed,” he said, adding, “Two- and four-wheelers are illegally parked on footpaths on Spicer Road, pushing us to run in the way of vehicles. Heavy and speeding vehicles do not care for pedestrians. It is a risk we take each time.”
The businessman rued, “I might as well run on the road if I have to keep stepping off the footpath anyway.”
SPEEDING VEHICLES AN ACCIDENT RISK
On April 1, a 49-year-old jogger was killed when a car hit him from the rear around 6.45am as he ran on a road in Undri. He lived barely 1.5km from the location, which is a blind spot for vehicles, said the police.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by runners citywide. Members of Anybody Can Run , a group of runners, said that in Kharadi as well, they are forced to run on the road due to the lack of pavements.
“Those that exist are either dug up or encroached upon,” said techie Prasad Wathare, adding, “We have had a few near escapes because of rash driving in the early hours. Sometimes, drivers are drunk and hurl abuses at us for coming in the way. But where else do we run? Setting up something like Balewadi stadium this side of town may help.”
STREETLIGHTING A GAME OF CHANCE
Another struggle is illumination. Out to run before the break of dawn, finance professional Mandar Garud said he and his co-runners see streetlights that are either defunct or turned off at 6am, while it’s still dark.
“Community dogs chase us sometimes. Trying to avoid them, we are also continually dodging potholes, trash and encroachments. Even on the Pashan ‘Necklace Road’, footpaths are currently dug up and rash driving is rampant.”
The member of Bavdhan Brigade, a runners’ group, said, “Jogging tracks offer limited space. Since we run in groups, the roads — whatever condition they may be in — are our best bet.”
Early morning runners in other areas agreed. Some said the rise in chain snatchings and other crimes against morning walkers have made them hyper-alert; they even opt to run only after sunrise.
In June 2024, a 77-year-old morning walker in Aundh was violently attacked by six youngsters looking for money and later succumbed to his injuries.
“Increased police patrolling to keep criminal activities in check this time of day is necessary,” said a runner, choosing anonymity.
‘SELF-PROTECTION IS BEST BET FOR NOW’
As infrastructure and dwindling safety plague runners, some groups and individuals have taken matters into their own hands. Bavdhan Brigade members, who run four days a week, go out in groups of two or three.
“We must take certain measures as nothing else is up to standard. We all wear t-shirts marked with neon strips for easy visibility in the dark and run in the direction facing oncoming traffic, so that we have time to react. I have been running for nearly a decade — while today’s infrastructure issues are the same as when I started, rash driving cases have risen,” Narendra Nandekar , a businessman and group mentor, told TOI.
“Authorities must do better to light up streets and install proper signs where civic works are ongoing; police must patrol even early morning to catch drunk and rash drivers,” he added.
Nathan Stevens, a fitness coach who runs, told TOI, “Amid poor visibility due to non-functional streetlights when we go for early runs, wearing bright apparel with radium strips is a great way to stay safe. Also, I have stopped using headphones to be more aware of my surroundings. Motorists tend to speed in the morning as roads are less congested.”
"With a rise in traffic and heat, running after 8am is a huge challenge and risk. Few roads are safe to run on in the morning, that too only before 7.30am. Most heavy vehicles ply at this time. Adding to stress are poor roads with open drains, stressing us out to stay extra focused to avoid injury. Pavements have also become dumping grounds for debris, wires and garbage, tripping us at any step. I prefer a certain running route (inside SPPU campus) as I know the terrain well, although you can never really be safe around vehicles," he added.
Coach of Anbody Can Run Group, based out of Kharadi, Sidhesh Pandit said, "There are several pubs in Kharadi and as a result, we have had several near-saves while running from vehicle users driving under the influence of alcohol and rash driving, too. Sexual harassment of women runners is also an increasing issue. All of this poses a serious safety concern. Construction not only make the air toxic in the morning, but even ongoing civic works pose a risk to runners. Uneven roads make it difficult for beginners to get the hang of running. Lack of public washrooms is another issue that needs to be addressed.
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