Although the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 has captured attention as India’s first multi-stage men’s professional cycling event, authorities are giving special attention to stray dog management to ensure safety along the race route. With large crowds expected and early-morning cycling schedules, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has stepped up efforts to temporarily relocate stray dogs from sensitive stretches. Officials highlighted that this measure is purely preventive, aimed at avoiding accidents or disruptions during the final stage of the five-day tour, which will conclude with the Pune Pride Loop on January 23.
Teams from the PMC’s veterinary and animal husbandry departments have been actively deployed to identify and safely capture stray dogs along the race paths. The civic body clarified that the animals are being moved to designated shelters and care centres, where they are provided with food, water, and medical attention. Once the event concludes, the dogs will be safely released back into their respective localities. Officials emphasized that all operations follow strict animal welfare protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.
Alongside stray dog management, authorities are coordinating traffic control, crowd management, and emergency response during the final stage. The 95-kilometre Pune Pride Loop passes key city landmarks, including Shaniwar Wada, and several major roads, such as JM Road, FC Road, Karve Road, Law College Road, Bhandarkar Road, Prabhat Road, and BMCC Road, will remain closed from 9 am to 6 pm. The combined efforts of the PMC, traffic police, volunteers, and event organisers aim to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful conclusion to India’s historic first multi-stage professional cycling race.