Pune: ₹35-Crore Velodrome Planned At Balewadi Ahead Of Grand Challenge Tour 2026
Pune: ₹35-Crore Velodrome Planned At Balewadi Ahead Of Grand Challenge Tour 2026
Pune, July 21, 2025: Pune is set to get a world-class velodrome at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, with a proposed investment of ₹35 crore. The facility is aimed at providing professional training infrastructure for aspiring cyclists in Maharashtra, especially in light of the upcoming Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026 – an international cycling event scheduled for January next year.
Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, who chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday, announced that funds for the project will be released promptly. Sports Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale presented the proposal, highlighting that the velodrome will meet international standards and support year-round training for national and local athletes.
The Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026, modeled on iconic races like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, will be India’s first multi-stage international cycling race. Covering over 600 km across urban, rural, and hilly terrains in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Mulshi, Maval, and nearby areas, the event is expected to attract cyclists from around 50 countries.
Officials confirmed that the race has been submitted to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for official recognition, and efforts are underway to make it a qualifying event for the Olympics. Plans also include live broadcasts in over 25 countries and the proposal to declare a National Cycling Day during the event to boost awareness of the sport in India.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Dr Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar, PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase, and representatives from health, tourism, and public works departments.
