Pune Grand Tour 2026 Prologue Triggers Major Traffic Changes
The Pune District administration has announced significant traffic modifications for the prologue of the Pune Grand Tour 2026 cycling race. These changes will take effect on January 19, 2026.
Road Closures and Diversion Plans
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav issued a press release detailing the closures. Key roads including FC Road, JM Road, and University Road will remain closed to all traffic from 9 AM to 6 PM on January 19.
Vehicles will be redirected to alternative routes during this period. The administration urges commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.
Specific Closure Points and Alternate Routes
FC Road Closures:
- The stretch from Khandoji Baba Chowk to Goodluck Chowk via Garware Bridge will be closed.
- Traffic from Goodluck Chowk to Lalit Mahal Hotel on FC Road will also be shut. Vehicles will divert via Prabhat Road, Law College Road, Bhandarkar Road, and Senapati Bapat Road.
University Road Closure:
- The section between Chapekar Chowk and Range Hills Corner on University Road will be closed. Traffic heading towards Savitribai Phule Pune University junction from this route must use alternate paths.
Additional Closures:
- The road from Ranje Hills Chowk to Sancheti Hospital, passing through Shimla Office junction, will be closed during the race.
- The route from Sancheti Hospital to Deccan Bus Stop via Balgandharva Auditorium on JM Road will also remain inaccessible.
Prologue Race Details
The Pune Grand Tour prologue features an 8-kilometer individual time trial competition. It starts at Goodluck Chowk on FC Road and concludes at Deccan Bus Stop on JM Road.
Organized by the Pune District administration in collaboration with the Cycle Federation of India, the Pune Grand Tour 2026 is a landmark event. It marks India's first UCI 2.2 category cycle race.
The race spans 437 kilometers over four stages from January 19 to January 24. The prologue sets the stage for this international sporting spectacle.
Authorities emphasize that internal roads connecting FC Road, JM Road, and University Road will also experience closures. This comprehensive plan aims to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the cycling event.
Commuters traveling from Swargate to Savitribai Phule Pune University or to Khadki on the old Pune-Mumbai highway should expect diversions. Alternate routes have been designated to facilitate continued movement across the city.
The traffic police advise residents and visitors to stay updated through official channels. Adhering to diversion signs will help minimize inconvenience during this major sporting event.
