Success Of Pune Grand Tour Left Us with Questions of Governance and Civic Responsibility
Pune, 26 January 2026: The Pune Grand Tour concluded successfully, earning praise for its smooth execution and efficient management. The Pune district administration and Pune Police ensured that the international cycling event progressed without major disruptions, reflecting strong planning and coordination across departments.
One of the most striking aspects of the preparation was the speed and scale of infrastructure work. In a span of just three months, nearly 437 kilometres of roads were built or upgraded. Traffic management was alert and disciplined, and citizens cooperated by following instructions patiently throughout the event.
A week before the tour, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the Pune Grand Tour as a festival. The city embraced that spirit, turning the tournament into a celebration. However, as with every festival, the event came to an end, leaving behind important questions.
If infrastructure development can be completed so quickly for a global event, why does it take years when citizens face daily hardships? If roads can be repaired in months for a cycling tour, why can’t the same urgency be shown for everyday commuters?
Similarly, the efficiency and visibility of policing during the tournament stood out. The question many now ask is why such proactive and disciplined policing is seen only during international events, and not as a daily norm.
The event also holds up a mirror to citizens. If people can follow traffic rules, respect instructions, and maintain discipline during a tournament, why does that responsibility fade in everyday life? Issues like signal jumping, wrong-side driving, and public spitting remain persistent challenges.
This is not a criticism of hosting international tournaments. Such events should continue and be celebrated. But the larger issue is consistency. Governance, civic sense, and accountability should not peak only during festivals or global showcases. They must become part of everyday life, shared equally by the administration and citizens alike.
