Pune, July 29: The international-level cycling competition, ‘Pune Grand Challenge Tour–2026’, is set to be held in Pune district in January 2026. Describing it as a matter of pride for Pune, Maharashtra, and the nation, District Collector Jitendra Dudi stated that this event presents a valuable opportunity to showcase the tourism and infrastructure capabilities of the region on a global platform. He emphasized that all concerned departments must work in coordination to ensure the success of the event.

He was speaking at a review meeting held at the District Collector’s Office as part of the preparatory efforts for the event. Present at the meeting were Deputy Conservator of Forests (Pune) Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Junnar) Prashant Khade, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Pune) Rajalakshmi Sivanakar, DCP Vivek Patil (Pimpri Chinchwad), District Planning Officer Kiran Indalkar, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jayashree Pawar, Assistant Director of the Archaeology Department Dr. Vilas Wahane, and Executive Engineer from the Public Works Department Milind Barbhe, among others.

The event is being organized by the Pune District Administration in collaboration with the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI), Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), and the Cycling Association of Maharashtra (CAM). It aims to promote the Sahyadri hill ranges, natural beauty, and tourism hotspots of Maharashtra.

The competition will be held in four stages, covering areas such as Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Purandar, Baramati, Maval, Mulshi, Bhor, and Velhe. Relevant departments have been instructed to upgrade roads, healthcare, police, and sports infrastructure to meet international standards on these routes. Proposals are to be submitted for required work, and necessary funding will be provided through the District Planning Committee.

The event will host international cyclists, making it imperative to ensure their safety, health, and hospitality. The police departments have been directed to install barricades, signage, and provide modern vehicles equipped with essential services. The traffic wings of both police commissionerates and the rural police office will play a crucial role.

The Public Works Department has been asked to improve road surfaces, install safety railings and barriers, and ensure bridges along the route are up to standard.

A tertiary care hospital must be available within 25 km of the race route. Suitable private hospitals with advanced facilities will be identified, and Primary Health Centres and Sub-District Hospitals will be upgraded accordingly. Mobile medical units with full facilities will be deployed along the route, supported by radio-controlled systems, advanced ambulances, and motorbike ambulances.

The event will receive extensive media coverage, including live broadcasting, for which coordinated planning is required.

The Food and Drug Administration has been directed to ensure strict food safety protocols. The event will also provide a boost to Pune’s hospitality sector. The Tourism Department has been instructed to plan displays of local and Maharashtrian culture, heritage, and cuisine at various race points along the route.

Officials from Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, National Highways Authority of India, Public Works Department, Pune Rural Police, District Surgeon’s Office, District Health Office, and the Tourism Department were also present at the meeting.