India, Jan. 20 -- Extensive road closures and traffic diversions implemented for the 'Pune Grand Challenge Tour' international cycling race beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, resulted in a marked improvement in the city's air quality, highlighting the impact of reduced vehicular movement on pollution levels.

According to data from the SAMEER app, managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city's air quality index (AQI) dropped to 94 on the first day of the international cycling event on Monday as Pune city traffic police imposed daylong restrictions on vehicular movement across several key roads. This is a significant improvement, considering that AQI levels have consistently remained above 150 since November 2025.

The ...