Pune is preparing for a major traffic reshuffle as the city gears up to host the final stage of the Pune Grand Tour 2026. With international cyclists set to pass through several key corridors, commuters are being advised to remain alert and plan their travel well in advance.
The cycling event has drawn large public interest and administrative focus, resulting in temporary traffic restrictions across western and central parts of Pune. Authorities have confirmed that multiple arterial roads will remain closed for limited durations to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the race.
As thousands of residents rely on these routes for daily commuting, the traffic advisory issued ahead of January 23 is expected to play a crucial role in minimising inconvenience.
Pune Grand Tour Stage 4 to Impact City Traffic
The final stage of the Pune Grand Tour will take place on January 23 between 12 noon and 4 pm. During this period, cyclists will move across a long stretch covering western suburbs and central Pune.
The event is being organised by the district administration in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India and has received extensive logistical support from Pune Police.
Traffic will be restored in phases once cyclists clear specific zones, ensuring gradual normalisation across the city.
Police Issue Advisory for Citizens
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma has urged citizens to cooperate with traffic personnel and follow official diversion plans.
Residents have been requested to avoid unnecessary travel during race hours wherever possible.
Authorities have emphasised that advance planning can significantly reduce congestion and delays.
Areas Affected by Road Closures
Several prominent localities will experience temporary restrictions during the event.
These include Baner, Pashan, the Pune University area, Karve Road, Paud Road, and central Pune.
Closures will be implemented in short intervals depending on the race movement.
Key Routes Closed on January 23
Roads connecting Radha Chowk, Poonam Bakery Chowk, and Suskhind Road will remain closed during the race window.
Similarly, the Poonam Bakery to Pashan Circle and Pashan–Sus Road corridor will be inaccessible for general traffic.
Commuters are advised to strictly follow police barricades and signboards.
Pashan and University Area Restrictions
The stretch from Pashan Circle to NCL and Abhimanshree Society up to Pune University Chowk will be closed.
Traffic movement near Bremen Chowk, Rajiv Gandhi Bridge, and S.B. Junction will also remain restricted.
Motorists heading toward Aundh and Range Hills should use notified diversion routes.
Ganeshkhind and Karve Road Closures
Major stretches along Ganeshkhind Road, Law College Road, Karve Road, and Paud Road will remain unavailable during the race.
This includes routes passing through Patrakar Nagar, Nal Stop, Paud Phata, and Karve Statue Chowk.
These areas are expected to witness heavy congestion if diversions are not followed.
Central Pune Traffic Restrictions
Central Pune will also face multiple short-duration closures.
Areas including Tilak Chowk, Puram Chowk, Bajirao Road, Appa Balwant Chowk, ABC Chowk, and surrounding junctions will be impacted.
Authorities have assured that closures in these zones will not exceed 30 minutes at a time.
Camp and Ghorpadi Area Changes
Restrictions will extend to Camp, Ghorpadi Junction, Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, and the National War Memorial zone.
Traffic movement near Arjun Road and surrounding army areas will be regulated carefully.
Police personnel will be deployed in large numbers to manage movement.
Historic Areas Under Temporary Control
Routes around Lal Mahal, Shaniwarwada, Garware Chowk, and Bal Gandharva Chowk will face intermittent closures.
These heritage zones attract heavy footfall, requiring additional crowd management.
Commuters are advised to avoid these stretches during peak race hours.
Alternative Routes for Baner and Sus Belt
Vehicles from Baner towards Susgaon are advised to use Saikar Chowk, Mamta Chowk, Sus Bridge, and the Sutarwadi Underpass.
Traffic towards Bavdhan and the Pune–Mumbai Highway should proceed via Mamta Chowk.
Baner Road and Wakad routes are expected to handle diverted traffic.
Diversions Around Pashan Corridor
Motorists travelling toward Pashan Circle are advised to use Sutarwadi Road and the Pune–Mumbai Highway.
The Baner Road stretch will serve as a primary diversion corridor.
Traffic police will guide vehicles at major intersections.
University Area Diversion Plan
Vehicles approaching Pune University Chowk will be diverted through Bremen Chowk and Spicer College Road.
Alternate movement will be allowed via Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk and Range Hills Road.
Local residents are advised to restrict travel during race hours.
Karve Road and Paud Road Alternatives
Traffic on Law College Road and Karve Road will be diverted through Bhandarkar Road and BMCC Road.
Other alternatives include DP Road, Warje Road, and Gulawani Maharaj Road.
These routes are expected to see increased vehicle flow.
Central City Alternate Corridors
Commuters heading toward Swargate are advised to use riverbed roads and Sinhagad Road.
Jedhe Chowk and Seven Loves Chowk will act as major diversion junctions.
Drivers should remain cautious near narrow intersections.
Traffic Restoration in Phases
Pune Police have confirmed that traffic will be restored immediately after cyclists pass through each stretch.
This phased reopening aims to reduce prolonged congestion.
Officials will continuously monitor movement across all affected zones.
Schools and Institutions Advisory
Educational institutions along the race route have been informed in advance.
Some schools may operate with modified schedules.
Parents have been advised to plan pickups accordingly.
Public Cooperation Key to Smooth Event
Authorities have stressed that public cooperation is vital for successful event execution.
Citizens are encouraged to follow traffic instructions and avoid parking near restricted zones.
Illegal parking may lead to towing during the race period.
Emergency Services to Remain Accessible
Dedicated corridors will remain available for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
Police control rooms will coordinate closely with medical and fire departments.
No compromise will be made on emergency response time.
Traffic Personnel Deployed Across City
Hundreds of traffic police officials will be stationed along the race route.
Real-time coordination will be maintained through control rooms.
Public announcements will guide commuters during peak hours.
Why the Pune Grand Tour Matters
The Pune Grand Tour is among India’s premier international cycling events.
It promotes sports culture while placing Pune on the global cycling map.
The event has attracted professional riders from multiple countries.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Large sporting events contribute to local tourism and hospitality sectors.
Hotels, eateries, and transport services benefit from increased footfall.
The city gains international visibility through such competitions.
Advice for Daily Commuters
Commuters are strongly advised to leave early or postpone non-essential travel.
Using navigation apps with live traffic updates may help reduce delays.
Following police social media updates is also recommended.
Final Word for January 23
January 23 will be a challenging day for traffic movement across Pune.
However, with proper planning and cooperation, inconvenience can be minimised.
Residents are urged to remain patient as the city hosts a major international sporting event.
Conclusion
The final stage of the Pune Grand Tour 2026 marks a significant moment for the city’s sporting calendar.
While temporary traffic changes are unavoidable, authorities have put comprehensive plans in place.
By staying informed and choosing alternate routes, citizens can ensure a smoother travel experience throughout the day.
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