Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026: District Collector Issues Comprehensive Traffic and Holiday Orders for International Event
Pune, Jaunary 18, 2026: In an unprecedented administrative move to facilitate the Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026, Pune District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi has issued a string of comprehensive orders affecting schools, colleges, and traffic movement across the district. The international cycling event, scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026, is set to put Pune on the global cycling map, necessitating extreme safety measures and logistical coordination.
Schools and Colleges Closed on January 19
To ensure the safety of students and avoid massive gridlocks during the high-speed “Prologue” race, Collector Jitendra Dudi has declared a holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026, for all educational institutions in the following key city areas:
- Shivaji Nagar, Ghole Road, and Fergusson College Road.
- Kothrud, Bavdhan, Warje, and Karvenagar.
- Aundh, Baner, and Balewadi.
- Vishrambaug Wada, Kasba Peth, and Bhawani Peth.
- Sinhagad Road and Dhole Patil Road.
Stage 1: Pimpri-Chinchwad & Mawal (January 20)
Stage 1 covers 87.2 km, starting from TCS Circle, Hinjewadi Phase 3. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vivek Patil and Collector Dudi have notified the following:
- Hinjewadi: Roads from Bhoirwadi to Helipad Circle and Symbiosis to Phase 3 are strictly restricted.
- Paud & Mulshi: The stretch from Ghotawade Village (Bapujibuwa Mandir) to Ambadwet Kaman and Ambadwet to Paud Karoli Chowk will be completely closed as no alternative routes exist.
- Kamshet & Lonavala: Traffic from Kamshet to Pavananagar and Paud is shut. Vehicles from Chavsar/Jovan must use the Tungi Phata route. Vehicles from Ambegaon/Shindgaon are diverted via Dudhivare-Aundhe to Lonavala.
- Mawal: The road from Shirgaon-Parandvadi towards Bebadohal is closed; use the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway instead. The Pavananagar market will also remain closed on January 20.
Stage 2: Rajgad, Velhe, and Haveli (January 21)
This 105.3 km stage involves steep climbs and heritage sites. The following restrictions apply from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM:
- Kapurhol-Bhor: The Kapurhol to Sawad route is completely closed. Bhor-bound traffic is diverted via Sarola-Shindewadi on the Pune-Satara Highway.
- Velhe: As the Velhe-Nasrapur road is the only main artery, it will be closed. Vehicles going to Pune must use the Pabe Ghat-Khanapur-Panshet route.
- Sinhagad Fort: Access to the fort for tourists is totally prohibited until the race concludes. Traffic from Donje/Golewadi to Khed-Shivapur is also suspended.
- Haveli: Residents of Donje, Khanapur, and Panshet must use the Jambhali-Katvadi-Agambe-Warje route to enter Pune city.
Stage 3: Purandar and Baramati (January 22)
The longest stage (134 km) will see restrictions on State Highway 131. Traffic from Saswad to Kondhwa (Khadi Machine Chowk) is diverted via Fursungi-Dive Ghat.
Official Protocol
Collector Dudi stated that these orders, invoked under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, are mandatory to prevent any untoward incidents. Heavy security, including rural and city police units, will enforce these “Green Corridors.” Emergency services remain exempt, but citizens are advised to complete essential travel before 8:00 AM on race days.
Attention
These orders, issued under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, are mandatory for public safety. Emergency vehicles remain exempt. For real-time updates and any last-minute changes, readers are strongly advised to visit the official Pune District Collector’s website or follow their verified social media handle.
For more live updates on Pune, visit our Pune News Today page.
