India, Oct. 13 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) plans to ban road excavation for five years on the route earmarked for the international cycling competition scheduled for January 2027, aiming to protect road quality after restoration and prevent repeated digging for utility works; officials said.

PMC additional municipal commissioner (special) Omprakash Divate on Monday directed civic officials and utility agencies to expedite pending works and complete excavations on the route by October 31, allowing extensions only in exceptional circumstances.

During Monday's meeting, Divate directed civic road department officials, representatives of Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL), and Dinesh Engineers to examine alternative alignments fo...