Major Pune Roads to Close for International Bicycle Event on Monday
Pune authorities will shut down several key roads to vehicular traffic on Monday morning. This move aims to facilitate the Pune Grand Tour, a major bicycle event attracting riders from forty different countries.
Road Closures and School Shutdowns
JM Road, FC Road, and Ganeshkhind Road will close completely to all vehicles after 9 AM. Police will install barricades on these stretches and on the smaller access roads leading to them. This ensures no cars or motorcycles can enter the race route.
Schools and colleges located in nearby areas and within the old city will also remain closed for the entire day. This decision helps manage the expected traffic disruptions and ensures student safety.
Official Advisory for Commuters and Businesses
Joint Police Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma clarified the situation for businesses. Offices, IT companies, restaurants, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments will stay open as usual.
However, Sharma strongly advised employees, shoppers, and visitors to park their personal vehicles at a distance from these areas. People should then walk to their final destinations to avoid congestion.
"Shutting these major roads will naturally increase traffic pressure on alternative routes," Sharma explained. He mentioned Karve Road, LBS Road, and Law College Road as likely alternatives facing heavier loads.
Race Details and Safety Concerns
Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil provided details about the race itself. The international cyclists will begin their 8-kilometer time-lap rides from Good Luck Chowk. Their route will take them along Ganeshkhind Road, ending at the PMPML bus stop located on JM Road.
"The intensity and speed of these competitive laps make it unsafe to allow any other vehicles on the same route," Patil stated. He specifically urged residents of the Deccan Gymkhana area to avoid using their private vehicles on Monday if possible.
City-Wide Traffic Impact and Diversion Plans
Traffic across other parts of Pune will experience partial disruptions throughout the day. To manage the flow, police have created a temporary ring road system for motorists.
For those traveling from Kothrud or Sinhagad Road towards Pune Station or Nagar Road, police recommend a specific diversion. Drivers should proceed to Paud Phata and then use the following sequence of roads: Law College Road, Senapati Bapat Road, Aundh Road, and finally Spicer College Road to reach the old Pune-Mumbai highway.
Motorists heading in the opposite direction, from areas like Nagar Road towards Kothrud or Sinhagad Road, have a different route. They should aim for RTO Chowk. From there, they can use various routes through the old city to reach Senadatta Police Chowky. The journey can then continue to Mhatre Bridge and onward to Nal Stop.
Commissioner Sharma reiterated that these measures, including restricting movement on some adjoining old city roads, are necessary to handle the increased load on alternative routes and ensure a smooth event.
