Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026 to Showcase Maharashtra’s Tourism Potential on Global Stage: Collector Jitendra Dudi
Pune, 29th July 2025: Pune is set to host the prestigious Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2026, an international cycling event scheduled for January next year. Highlighting the significance of this event, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi stated that the race is a matter of great pride for Pune, Maharashtra, and the country, and presents a unique opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism potential on a global platform.
Speaking at a preparatory review meeting held at the District Collector’s Office, Dudi emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure the event’s success. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Conservator of Forests Mahadev Mohite (Pune) and Prashant Khade (Junnar), DCP Rajalakshmi Sivanakar (Pune Police), DCP Vivek Patil (PCMC Police), District Planning Officer Kiran Indalkar, Assistant Wildlife Conservator Jayshree Pawar, Assistant Director of Archaeology Dr. Vilas Wahane, and Executive Engineer of PWD Milind Barbhaai, among others.
The Pune Grand Challenge Tour is being organized by the Pune District Administration in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), and Cycling Association of Maharashtra (CAM). The multi-stage race will traverse the scenic Sahyadri mountain ranges and various iconic locations in the district, serving as a branding initiative for Maharashtra’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The event will span four stages, covering Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Purandar, Baramati, Maval, Mulshi, Bhor, and Velhe talukas. Departments have been instructed to upgrade infrastructure along the designated routes as per international standards, including roads, healthcare facilities, police support, and sports amenities.
Collector Dudi noted that the event provides an ideal opportunity to modernize local infrastructure and services. Departments have been asked to submit proposals for required upgrades, and funding will be made available through the District Planning Committee.
Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring the safety, health, and hospitality of international cyclists. The police will manage barricading, signage, and advanced patrolling systems along the mountain routes. Both the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad police commissionerates, along with the Pune Rural Traffic Branch, will have key responsibilities during the event. Police units will be equipped with advanced vehicles and resources to support operations.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with road resurfacing, installation of safety barriers and railings, and bridge repairs along the route. Each stage of the route must have a tertiary (super-specialty) care hospital within a 25-kilometre radius. Accordingly, well-equipped private hospitals are to be identified, while upgrades are planned for primary health centres and sub-district hospitals. Mobile medical units, advanced ambulances, and bike ambulances will also be deployed, supported by a radio control network.
The Food and Drug Administration has been instructed to conduct rigorous food safety inspections. The event is expected to significantly boost Pune’s hospitality industry. Additionally, the Tourism Department has been directed to curate exhibitions along the race route, showcasing local traditions, cuisine, art, and Maharashtra’s vibrant heritage.
Officials from the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Pune Rural Police, District Civil Surgeon’s Office, District Health Department, and the Tourism Department were also present at the meeting.
