Pune to Develop 700-Km Zero Waste Corridor for Global Cycling Tour Planned in January 2026
Pune, 9th July 2025: In a significant push to position Pune as a global tourist and sports destination, the district administration is set to host a world-class cycling competition — the Pune Grand Challenge Tour — in January 2026. The international-scale event is being organized to promote tourism across the district and will cover nearly 700 kilometers through nine talukas, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi announced that a 15-member delegation from the Union Cyclist International (UCI), a global cycling governing body, will visit Pune on Thursday, July 10, to inspect the proposed 689-kilometer route for the competition. The initiative is being executed in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), with a formal memorandum of understanding signed between CFI and the District Collector’s office.
Collector Dudi emphasized that the event will unfold in four phases and is expected to attract around 10,000 competitors. “Pune has an estimated 50,000 active cyclists, and about 10,000 of them already participate in competitions abroad. Through this tour, we aim to bring the international cycling community — from over 240 countries — to Pune. Official invitations will be sent through the central government,” he said.
The competition will begin from Balewadi and traverse scenic and strategic locations in the district. The entire 700-kilometer route will be developed into a Zero Waste Corridor, with roads built or upgraded to international standards. Civic bodies including the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have been instructed to complete the roadwork within two months after the monsoon.
The event will also be broadcast live in India and other countries. Organizers expect global participation, which they believe will put Pune on the map as a hub for both tourism and international sporting events.
The competition is backed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar. Importantly, the event will be funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions of participating companies.
“This will not be a one-time event,” said Dudi. “We plan to hold the Pune Grand Challenge Tour annually, which will not only enhance Pune’s global visibility but also provide a strong economic boost to tourism and related sectors.”
Preparations are in full swing to ensure the event meets global benchmarks in both infrastructure and participation.
