Pune Grand Tour Road Closures Create Monday Commuting Chaos
The Pune Grand Tour cycling event brought significant traffic disruptions to the city on Monday. Road closures across several parts of Pune caused major inconvenience for residents trying to navigate their daily routines.
Commuters Face Unexpected Challenges
Office-goers found themselves stuck in slow-moving traffic or forced to take unfamiliar routes. Some patients heading to hospitals experienced delays and longer travel times. Public transport users waited at bus stops where services were temporarily suspended.
Private vehicle owners had to leave their cars at designated points and walk across restricted areas. For many people, an otherwise ordinary Monday turned unexpectedly challenging as the city's transport system struggled to cope with altered traffic patterns.
Residents Voice Concerns and Suggestions
Some residents expressed frustration with the timing of such events. Raju Shelar suggested that large events should ideally be scheduled on weekends or outside dense city zones to avoid major traffic disruptions.
The event will continue throughout the week with different routes each day:
- Tuesday: Hinjewadi Phase 3 to DY Patil International Institute in Akurdi
- Wednesday: The Ladies Club, Camp to Nanded City, Sinhagad Road
- Thursday: Purandar and Baramati
- Friday: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi to Balgandharva Rangmandir on JM Road
Mixed Reactions from Spectators and Residents
Spectator Vishal Yadav compared the event to the Tour de France, noting that large-scale competitions inevitably require extensive traffic restrictions. "Such competitions help promote a sporting culture and inspire youngsters who come to watch the cyclists," Yadav said. "We will have to get used to it if we want to make Pune a sporting city in the real sense."
Many citizens appreciated the improved road conditions along the race route. Resident Vijay Pande commented, "The event will end in a few days, but the smooth roads will hopefully last longer and ease traffic that was previously slowed by potholes."
Pande added, "The traffic police managed the event well, and prior information about the routes helped us plan ahead. We often tolerate disruptions caused by religious events, political rallies or VIP movements. This, at least, is for a positive purpose."
Specific Disruptions and Adaptations
Commuters arriving at Shivajinagar railway station faced delays near Shimla Office Chowk due to the event. Educational institutions along the route declared a holiday following orders from the district collector.
An IT union urged similar relaxations for corporate offices, requesting work-from-home directives on days when major road closures affect employee commutes.
Despite prior announcements, some travelers were caught off guard. Suresh Gite had to cancel a client meeting in Shivajinagar after being delayed by traffic restrictions.
To avoid parking hassles, several commuters opted for hired vehicles, planning to walk across restricted sections and reconnect with transport on the other side. Prem Soni, who had to attend a function in Shukrawar Peth, found his hired car stopped at Shimla Office Chowk and had to change his route.
Traffic Flow and Alternative Transport
While the city did not experience severe traffic jams, slow-moving traffic was reported on Ganeshkhind Road and the Khadki–Wakdewadi stretch in the evening.
Students like Sanket Jogdand, who usually travel by public bus from University Road to Swargate, were forced to switch modes after failing to find a bus. "We walked to the Shivajinagar Metro Station and continued to Swargate by metro," Jogdand said.
Many citizens found the diversions time-consuming but appreciated the absence of heavy congestion. Nikhil Gayakwad, an IT employee, said although the road from Aundh to Deccan was closed at Bremen Chowk and diverted towards Aundh-Khadki Road, the smooth traffic flow meant minimal inconvenience. "Overall, the traffic was managed well," he said.
Creative Parking Solutions and Metro Surge
Several people parked their two-wheelers on BMCC Road and nearby lanes before walking to FC Road or JM Road to complete their errands. Anand Gargade from New Sangvi parked near FC Road, crossed over once the cyclists passed, finished his work on JM Road, and returned in the evening to go back home.
Metro services saw over 2 lakh commuters by 8pm on Monday, as many chose the trains in the afternoon when key roads were closed for traffic in view of the Grand Pune Cycling Tour. Despite the surge, operations remained smooth throughout the day.
