Schools and colleges across several key areas of Pune will remain closed on Monday, January 19, 2026. This decision comes directly from Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, who issued an official order on Saturday. The closure affects institutions in Shivajinagar, Kasba Peth, Dhole Patil Road, Aundh, Baner, Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Bavdhan, Warje Malwadi, and Karve Nagar.
Traffic Police Request Leads to Closure
The district collector acted on a formal request from the Pune City Police's traffic control branch. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav submitted a letter highlighting the need for this measure. He cited significant road closures planned for the Pune Grand Tour 2026 prologue event.
Road Closures for Cycling Prologue
The prologue, an 8-kilometer Individual Time Trial, kicks off the international cycling race. It starts at Goodluck Chowk on F C Road and finishes at Deccan Bus Stop on J M Road. To facilitate the race, authorities will close F C Road, J M Road, University Road, and connecting internal routes from 9 AM to 6 PM on January 19.
Officials aim to prevent major inconvenience for students and local residents. The closure of educational institutions is a proactive step to ensure safety and smooth traffic management during the event.
Details of the Pune Grand Tour 2026
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is a landmark event organized by the Pune District Administration in partnership with the Cycle Federation of India. It is classified as a UCI 2.2 category race, the first of its kind in the region.
The race features a challenging 437-kilometer track divided into four stages, running from January 19 to January 24. A total of 171 cyclists will participate, including 12 Indian athletes. Teams from 35 countries are set to compete, with notable representation from:
- The Netherlands
- France
- The United Kingdom
- Spain
- Belgium
- Germany
- Bulgaria
- Australia
This international sporting event promises to bring global attention to Pune while necessitating temporary adjustments to daily routines for residents in the affected zones.
