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200 speed breakers to be removed for Olympic qualifier cycling event in Pune

The Pune Grand Challenge Tour is the first professional multi-stage cycling event in India, inspired by races such as the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia.

PMC Chief Engineer Annirudha Pawaskar said that it was a moment of pride for the city to host the four day international cycle event scheduled in January next year. (representational image)

With a task in hand to make 75 km of city roads rider-friendly for the Pune Grand Challenge Tour cycling event in January 2026, the Pune civic body will be removing 200 speed breakers, plastic bumps and raised crossings and will repair 400 damaged chamber covers and metal gratings while bringing it to road level.

“The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has a task on hand to develop a rider-friendly road for the international cycle race. We have to complete the work by November end and would spend Rs 145.75 crore for it,” said municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.

PMC Chief Engineer Annirudha Pawaskar said that it was a moment of pride for the city to host the four day international cycle event scheduled in January next year.

“The route has been finalised for the cycle race which begins from Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji sports complex in Balewadi and has to be developed as per international standards for rider friendly road” he said.

The road should be even and ensure safety of cyclists, Pawaskar said, “The road development would include removing 200 speed breakers, rumblers, plastic bumps and raised crossings. The route also has 400 drainage chambers which will be repaired and concrete lids will be used to level the road.”

Safety barricades, railings would be put along the carriage width and new signage posts will be installed throughout the route, he said adding the 450 km race for four days will pass through Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Mulshi, Maval, Purandar, Bhor, and Velhe. “The PMC will develop only 75 km of the stretch that passes through the PMC and Pune Cantonment Board area. There are stretches of 53 roads to be developed for the race,” said Pawaskar.

As per directions, the minimum road width should be 7 metre and international roughness index should be 1.5 to 2 metre per kilometre while ensuring that it will be suitable for cycle speed of 70 to 80 km per hour.

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Pawaskar said the only one side of the road of the cycle route stretch would be developed as per norms. “The work will be taken up in four packages so that it is developed by four different contractors speedily and with accuracy. No contractor will be allowed to work on more than one package. Those not performing the work on time will be fined Rs 50 thousand per day. The quality of the road should be such that it does not get damaged during the defect liability period of next ten years,” he said.

The Pune Grand Challenge Tour is the first professional multi-stage cycling event in India, inspired by races such as the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.

The Cycling Federation of India and the Maharashtra government jointly organise the Pune Grand Challenge Tour. It is recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and will serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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