Pune Cycle Race Blocks Key Roads for Six Hours, Commuters React
Fergusson College Road in Pune faced a six-hour closure on Sunday afternoon. The shutdown occurred for the Prologue stage of the Pune Grand Tour 2026 cycle race. Jangli Maharaj Road and sections of University Road also closed to vehicular traffic from noon until 6 pm. This move diverted traffic to other routes, leading to noticeable snarls during the afternoon hours.
Officials Highlight Lower Traffic Volume
Senior police officials noted that the situation could have been worse. They pointed to significantly lower-than-usual vehicular movement on the roads. Schools and colleges were closed for the day, reducing the number of cars. Authorities communicated the road closures and diversions well in advance. Close to 1,500 police personnel managed crowd control and traffic throughout the event.
"The advance notifications helped keep major traffic jams at bay," a senior officer stated. "We had substantial police presence to handle the flow."
Commuters Face Unexpected Hurdles
Despite the preparations, some residents encountered problems. Dhanushree traveled from Undri to shop at FC Road in the evening. Her autorickshaw stopped near Lakdi Pul due to the closure. She expressed frustration, saying she was unaware of the roadblock.
"My shopping plans got cancelled, and it felt like a waste of time," Dhanushree told reporters.
Dwijayu Wankhede, a 25-year-old professional, struggled to book ride-hailing services. Ola and Uber drivers kept cancelling his requests. He ended up walking a long distance to attend an important seminar. Nineteen-year-old Harshal Rathod reported massive jams on internal roads where traffic was diverted. He also faced issues with one-way routes and parking shortages.
Some Residents Show Support
Not all feedback was negative. Dattatray Koli, a resident of Bavdhan, traveled to Shivajinagar via Spicer College Road and Khadki. He experienced slow-moving traffic but noted it was still flowing. Koli started his journey early after hearing about the traffic changes in advance.
Seventy-three-year-old Anagha Joshi called the event great for India. She appreciated the prior notifications about road closures. Amresh Shinde, a private employee, got diverted at Lakdi Pul while heading to FC Road. He emphasized supporting the government's decision for such special occasions.
"The collector officially declared these closures, and this doesn't happen every day," Shinde remarked.
Traffic Impact and Management
The diversion caused congestion on alternative routes like internal roads and one-ways. Police managed the situation actively, preventing complete gridlock. The event highlighted the balance between hosting large-scale events and maintaining daily commute routines in Pune. Residents' experiences varied widely based on their preparedness and travel plans.
