Pune Municipal Corporation Prepares for Grand Challenge Tour with Road Upgrades
Pune, 24th September 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is making significant preparations for the Pune Grand Challenge Tour, a 684-km cycling event scheduled for January 2026 and a qualifier for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. The PMC will remove nearly 200 speed breakers and repair damaged lids of around 400 drainage chambers across the city over the next two months.
The event, recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and modeled on the Tour de France, is expected to be a landmark in Pune’s sporting calendar. PMC had earlier approved Rs 145 crore for improving cycling infrastructure, with approximately Rs 60 lakh earmarked specifically for road repairs and leveling in preparation for the event.
Speaking to reporters during a presentation on the upcoming tour, Aniruddha Pawaskar, head of PMC’s road department, said, “We have proposed these works to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Roads will be upgraded to meet both national and international standards, providing cyclists with the best possible conditions.”
Civic officials added that the PMC has put in place strict tender conditions to ensure timely and high-quality execution. Each contractor will be assigned only one project to maintain focus, and delays beyond the 60-day deadline will attract a fine of Rs 50,000 per day, with defaulting contractors facing blacklisting for five years.
Contract specifications mandate that contractors operate a hot mix batch plant with at least 120 tonnes per hour capacity within 35 km of PMC limits. Firms must also provide two pavers, two bitumen distributors, four vibratory rollers, and one milling machine per project package. Bituminous concrete work will be carried out using sensor-controlled and stringline equipment to ensure precise slope and grade control.
Pawaskar emphasized, “PMC will assess ride quality according to standard operating procedures before releasing any payment. A safety consultant will oversee both pre- and post-work safety audits to ensure compliance.”
The road upgrades will carry a 10-year defect liability period (DLP). However, similar to the Mission 15 road projects, contractors will be exempt from DLP responsibilities if any digging work is permitted on these roads within three years of completion.
