Pune: FC and JM Road Closures, School Holiday and Route Details As Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 Kicks Off Tomorrow
Pune, January 18, 2026: Pune is set to make history tomorrow, January 19, as the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 kicks off. This record-breaking UCI 2.2 category race, the first of its kind in India, will see 171 international cyclists from countries including the USA, France, and South Africa compete across the scenic but grueling terrain of Maharashtra.
Crucial Traffic Update: The 4-Hour Window
Amidst concerns regarding city-wide congestion, Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole has issued a vital clarification for commuters. Following a consultation with Additional Commissioner of Police Shri Manoj Patil, it has been confirmed that major thoroughfares, Fergusson College Road, Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road, and University Road, will be closed to vehicular traffic only between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Monday.
“We understand that this temporary restriction may cause inconvenience,” Shirole stated. “However, this is a unique opportunity for Pune to showcase itself on a global platform. I encourage citizens to plan travel accordingly and come out to cheer for the cyclists.”
The Prologue Stage: Route Details
The event begins with a “Prologue” (individual time-trial) to determine the early leaders. The route for this stage is as follows:
- Start: Goodluck Chowk.
- Course: Proceed to Masobha Gate, left towards University Road, U-turn at Cosmos Bank.
- Finish: Down towards Sancheti, right onto JM Road, concluding at Khandojibaba Chowk.
School Holidays and Administrative Measures
To ensure the safety of students and reduce pressure on the roads, District Collector Jitendra Dudi has declared a holiday on January 19 for all schools and colleges in central zones, including Shivajinagar, Kothrud, Aundh, and Baner.
A Global Sporting Spectacle
The 437 km race is more than just a competition; it is an effort to reclaim Pune’s identity as the “Cycle Capital of India.” Over five days, riders will navigate the Maratha Heritage Circuit, passing through historic landmarks and the challenging climbs of the Western Ghats, before the grand culmination at the iconic Shaniwar Wada.
Organized under the aegis of the UCI and supported by major partners like Bajaj, the event places Pune on the map alongside world-class cycling destinations. Residents are urged to use the morning hours for essential travel and join the festivities at the designated fan zones after 12:00 PM.
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