The Pune Grand Tour, India’s first UCI 2.2-category international cycling race, is set to expand dramatically, with the district administration and Public Works Department (PWD) planning to increase the event’s road network from 437 km to nearly 1,500 km, TOI has reported.
Pune collector Jitendra Dudi said the success of hosting the elite cycling race had prompted authorities to make it an annual fixture.
“Even after the event, contractors will be responsible for maintaining these roads, and the additional stretches planned for the expanded route will also be maintained. Everyone knows that the race will again pass through these roads next year, and hence everyone will ensure that roads remain in good condition throughout the year,” he was quoted as saying.
Dudi noted that the rapid upgrade of long-neglected rural roads had taken many residents by surprise.
“While such cycling tracks are common in western countries, this is new for Pune. After this grand success, we plan to take it forward as a yearly event,” Dudi added.
Inspired by iconic races such as the Tour de France, officials said the Pune Grand Tour aims to combine competitive cycling with sweeping visuals of scenic countryside, cleaner villages and improved rural connectivity.
PWD superintending engineer Bharatkumar Baviskar said the upgraded routes include state highways and rural roads, developed with specifications suited for professional cycling.
Works included widening carriageways, improving curves and gradients, strengthening shoulders, installing safety barriers in ghat sections and ensuring uniform surfacing using full-width pavers.
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