By A Correspondent
Given the worsening traffic jams in Pune, Sakal Times has initiated a unique social initiative in Pune. Called Pune Bus Day, the campaign urges the citizens of the city to use public transport (buses) on November 1. The campaign, which has been taking shape for about a month now, has seen much support from Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), which will be plying 3,000 buses that day, instead of the usual 1,500 on city roads. Volunteers will help the people to figure out the bus routes.
Powered by high-decibel print, electronic, outdoor and social media, the campaign will have over one lakh volunteers to help the people to figure out the bus routes on November 1. All citizens, from civic authorities to bureaucrats, activists and police personnel have been supporting the campaign.
The clarion call of ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world,’ promises to be the beginning of finding a permanent solution to Pune’s traffic problems within the next two years.
Shriram Pawar, Editor-in-Chief, Sakal Times said, “Unless you don’t connect with the ground level, nothing happens. Criticism or discussion doesn’t solve the problem. Sakal Times managed to get all political parties on the same table, and they in many ways gave the green signal to the movement and supporting it. We spoke to masses and got to know everybody wanted to help and work towards solving the traffic problem in Pune. All we did was give them a platform to come together and work as a force towards one cause.”
Labour unions to journalists to housemaids have pledged some part of their salary too, according to Mr Pawar. Different associations such   as CREDAI, MCCIA, HIA, NASSCOM, SEAP, ICAI, IMA are backing the cause and are also pledging financial support.
“We have a whole plan ready for PMPML of how to take the initiative forward for the next two years,” said Mr Pawar, adding, “We have supporters who will help man traffic with the traffic police for the whole one year. We are looking at long-term traffic solution.” The supporters of Pune Bus Day movement, initiated by Sakal Media Group can now wear a ‘Pune Bus Day’ T-shirt and support the cause.