Residents of villages in Mulshi and Maval talukas near Pune are experiencing a blend of disbelief, excitement, and curiosity. For many years, these villages connected to Pune through a narrow, uneven, and pothole-ridden road. Now, within just one month, that same route has transformed into a pristine ribbon of fresh tarmac. Its smooth curves are framed by the scenic backwaters of Pavana dam, creating a picture-perfect setting.
Sudden Transformation Sparks Village Interest
Villagers quickly discovered the reason behind this sudden makeover. The Pune Grand Tour, a UCI 2.2-level international cycling event, is being hosted in India for the first time. This event aims to deliver a visual experience similar to the Tour de France, with its vast sunflower fields and winding roads. Cleaner villages and newly laid roads are part of this effort, combining with the thrill of competitive road cycling.
Economic and Social Impacts on Local Communities
Deepak Dabhade, a 24-year-old who runs a Misal outlet in Kalwan village in Mulshi, reports positive changes. He says their roads were terrible earlier but are now completely transformed. In some places, the width increased from three meters to six meters. Dabhade notes that they used to wait for monsoon visitors, but since the road work, more bikers and cyclists from Pune visit on weekends. His business has improved as a result.
Navnath Padaval, a 60-year-old from Mahagaon in Maval, highlights social benefits. He mentions that new connectivity has improved social interaction. With more people expected to travel through this route, many new snack shops have opened. Padaval chuckles as he says they now have more options for meeting over tea.
Cyclists Express Cautious Optimism
Cyclists in Pune are cautiously optimistic about the developments. Kaustubh Radkar, an experienced Ironman athlete, points out that the new roads are good news. However, he emphasizes the need to see how safe they remain for everyday cyclists. Poor traffic discipline and reckless driving also require attention. Radkar suggests that initially, they might load their bikes in cars and start cycling only after leaving the city.
Collaborative Efforts Behind the Road Upgrades
The Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations, along with the PWD and other road development departments, worked together. They completed a 437-kilometer stretch. Pune collector Jitendra Dudi explains that they did not construct new roads from scratch. Instead, existing ones were improved with support from multiple departments using their allocated funds. All of this work was completed in a very short time. Dudi hopes to showcase this region as a global tourist destination.
He adds that this is not a one-off event. Organizers plan to conduct it for many years to come.
Pune Grand Tour 2026 Schedule and Stages
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 kicks off on January 19 with a 7.5-kilometer prologue at Goodluck Chowk. This stage features a high-intensity team pole-position time trial.
Stage 1 on January 20 covers 87.2 kilometers through the Mulshi-Maval Miles. It combines flat sprints, technical sections, and scenic stretches along the Hinjewadi IT corridor.
The challenge intensifies on January 21 with Stage 2. This 105.3-kilometer Maratha Heritage Circuit climbs steep ghats around Purandar Fort, Sinhagad, and Khadakwasla Lake. It serves as an endurance-heavy mountain test.
On January 22, Stage 3 spans 134 kilometers through the Western Ghats Gateway. It moves from Purandar to Baramati across fast, rolling terrain prone to crosswinds.
The tour concludes on January 23 with Stage 4. This 95-kilometer Pune Pride Loop weaves through central landmarks like Shaniwar Wada. It delivers a technical urban course and a dramatic finale.
