Pune is gearing up to host India’s first professional multi-stage cycling race, but the preparation has ignited debate over civic priorities. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved roadworks worth ₹145 crore to ready stretches of the 75-kilometre race route, even as citizens continue to file complaints about pothole-ridden neighbourhood roads.
According to officials, tenders have been floated in four packages to resurface and repair around 64.8 kilometres of the route within city limits over the next three months. The civic body estimates it will spend nearly ₹2.24 crore per kilometre, covering asphalting, chamber repairs, pavement work and encroachment removal. In total, the Pune Grand Challenge Tour will cover 684 kilometres across Pune district, passing through Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Mulshi, Maval, Purandar, Bhor and Velhe. Planned for January 2026, the race is expected to attract professional cyclists from nearly 50 countries and will be jointly organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Cycling Federation of India. The event could also serve as a qualifier for the Olympic Games, giving it global sporting relevance.
Officials explained that roads along the route must meet international smoothness standards, specifically the International Roughness Index (IRI) range of 1.5 to 2.0. Many city roads currently measure at 2.3 to 2.4, requiring milling and resurfacing to meet the criteria. However, the civic enthusiasm for the event contrasts sharply with public frustration over routine road conditions. Data from the PMC’s Road Mitra app shows more than 1,200 pothole complaints registered in recent months, with the civic body claiming resolution in over 1,100 cases. Yet, citizens argue that the measures are patchy and short-lived.
Civic activists have criticised the allocation of funds, pointing out that the same road stretches were repaired last year, only to deteriorate again. They argue that focusing on race-specific upgrades without ensuring long-term upkeep represents a misuse of taxpayer money. The concern resonates widely, as commuters question whether roads restored for international cyclists will remain safe and durable for daily users. Urban infrastructure experts highlight a deeper issue. While global sporting events can enhance a city’s reputation and inject tourism-driven revenue, they should not overshadow essential civic needs. Road maintenance, particularly in monsoon-prone Pune, is not only a matter of convenience but also of safety, carbon efficiency, and quality of life.
The upcoming event is an opportunity for Pune to showcase itself on the global sporting map. Yet, for residents dodging potholes every day, the real test lies in whether these high-profile investments translate into lasting benefits for the city’s transport infrastructure.
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