Pune Grand Challenge Tour Cycling: Authorities Instruct Strict Security and Full Facilities Along Race Route
Pune Grand Challenge Tour Cycling: Authorities Instruct Strict Security and Full Facilities Along Race Route
Pune, November 28, 2025: The Pune administration has issued strict instructions to ensure full facilities and robust security for the upcoming ‘Pune Grand Challenge Tour’ cycling competition. Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar emphasized that all agencies must manage road development, traffic control, health facilities, and race-route security in strict accordance with the guidelines issued by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
Speaking at a review meeting held at the Divisional Commissioner’s office, Dr. Pulkundwar was joined by District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil, Deputy Conservator of Forest Mahadev Mohite, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) R.S. Rahane, Pune City Police Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Himat Jadhav, Pimpri-Chinchwad Traffic Police Deputy Commissioner Vivek Patil, Pune Rural Police Superintendent Dilip Shinde, Health Services Deputy Director Dr. Prashant Wadekar, and other officials.
Reviewing the progress of road preparation for the event, Dr. Pulkundwar directed the PWD, both municipal corporations, the National Highways Authority of India, and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to ensure that roadworks adhere to CFI standards. He stressed that the roads must be durable, as the event is annual, and no compromises should be made regarding quality. Proper drainage systems, guideboards, tourism signage, and removal of obstructive advertisements must be ensured. All agencies were instructed to monitor the roads regularly until the competition concludes.
To ensure the safety of participants, measures must be taken to prevent stray dogs from creating hazards along the race route. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in villages along the path to keep domestic animals off the roads. Traffic will be completely restricted on the race day, with appropriate diversion management in place. Authorities will also ensure that no overhead cables or electric lines obstruct the route.
Dr. Pulkundwar instructed the police to deploy sufficient personnel for traffic management and crowd control, with additional forces provided as needed. Personnel will receive proper training, and assistance from NCC and Home Guards will be utilized. Local youth volunteers willing to help during the event will also be engaged. Communication systems will be thoroughly checked and operational throughout the race.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi added that the race will be broadcast live on sports channels and that funds have been allocated for necessary equipment. CEO Gajanan Patil reiterated the importance of controlling stray dogs along the route.
The police provided details on barricading, crowd control, and traffic diversions, while the Health Department shared information on bike ambulances, standard ambulances, and arrangements with private hospitals for emergency care during the race.
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Pune Municipal Corporation, and representatives from local cycling organizations also attended the meeting, coordinating preparations across transport, health, and police departments.
