Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026: Schools in Pune and PCMC to Close Early on January 23
Pune, January 21, 2026 – In view of the high-profile Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has issued an official order to close all government and private schools in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and specific areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) after 12:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026.
The decision aims to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the safety of students as the international cycling event reaches its final and most decisive stage.
International Cycling Event Hits City Streets
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, organized in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has been underway since January 19. The Stage-4 race, scheduled for January 23, is set to be a massive 58-km circuit starting from Balewadi Stadium.
The route will weave through major parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, eventually concluding at the Balgandharva Rang Mandir.
Affected Areas and School Timings
According to the orders issued by the District Disaster Management Authority:
- Pune City (PMC): All government and private schools within the PMC limits must shut down by 12:00 PM.
- Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC): Schools specifically located along the race route will close after 12:00 PM. These areas include:
- Sangvi, Wakad, Ravet, Tathawade, and Punawale.
- Nigdi Pradhikaran, Indrayani Nagar, and Triveni Nagar.
- Chinchwad MIDC, Bhosari MIDC, Chikhali, Kalewadi, and Yashwantnagar (Pimpri).
Traffic Restrictions and Safety Measures
The Pune City and Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have already planned major traffic diversions. To maintain the international standards required by the UCI and CFI, several main roads will be closed to regular vehicular traffic to provide a clear path for the professional cyclists.
“Given the 58-km route through the heart of the city, there is a high probability of severe traffic jams,” stated Collector Jitendra Dudi in the official notification. “To ensure students are not stranded and to facilitate the smooth conduct of this international event, we have invoked the Disaster Management Act to adjust school hours for the day.”
Education officers from both municipal corporations and the Zilla Parishad have been instructed to ensure all schools comply with these timings and submit a completion report.
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