The Ghulatis On The Go family sets out on a road trip from Jalandhar, Punjab, with their Isuzu MU-X, aiming for Jammu. The primary objective of this journey is to provide live updates on the progress of the Delhi-Katra Expressway, particularly focusing on the construction along the Jammu section. Departing at noon, the family anticipates a longer travel time due to ongoing construction along the route, promising to share the exact travel duration upon arrival.
The journey begins with navigating through the city traffic of Jalandhar, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Upon exiting the city, the family enters NH 44, a four-lane highway with two lanes on each side, noted to be in good condition up to Pathankot. This highway is described as a strategic route connecting to Jammu and Kashmir, hence its well-maintained status. The route planned includes passing through Bhogpur, Tanda, Mukerian, Pathankot, and then entering Jammu and Kashmir via Lakhanpur, Samba, and Kathua, before finally reaching Jammu.
Navigating Punjab: Towns and Tolls
The first town encountered after Jalandhar is Bhogpur, Punjab, where the family experiences some city traffic. The journey continues on NH 44, which offers open stretches allowing for a comfortable cruise at around 90 km/h. The first toll barrier on this trip is the Chulang Toll Barrier. The family notes that they do not have an annual pass for this particular vehicle, opting to pay per use to track the total toll expenses for the trip.
Further along, the family crosses Tanda, Punjab, which features a flyover allowing them to bypass the city traffic below. This is highlighted as a convenience compared to Bhogpur, where they had to drive through the city. The next significant town is Mukerian, Punjab, known for its basmati rice production and rice shellers. Here, the highway passes through the city, leading to slow-moving traffic due to the urban environment. A signpost in Mukerian indicates Gurdaspur is 24 km to the left and Pathankot is 38 km straight ahead.
Crossing State Borders and River Bridges
After Mukerian, the journey briefly enters Himachal Pradesh as the family crosses Damtal. This short stretch in Himachal Pradesh is quickly followed by re-entry into Punjab. The landscape begins to change, transitioning into a hilly area, offering a different driving experience with winding roads and elevation gains. Before reaching Pathankot, the family passes a temple dedicated to Mata Rani, a significant landmark along the route.
The route then bypasses Pathankot via a flyover, allowing for a smoother continuation of the journey without entering the city. After Pathankot, the family crosses the Ravi River Bridge, which is noted to have low water levels, indicating the non-monsoon season. The bridge is currently operating as a single lane due to ongoing construction, causing some traffic congestion. This section marks the transition from Punjab into Jammu and Kashmir, with the border checkpoint at Lakhanpur.
Delhi-Katra Expressway: Construction Updates
Upon entering Jammu and Kashmir, the family provides detailed updates on the Delhi-Katra Expressway construction. The expressway is observed in various stages of development. Near Lakhanpur, the expressway is seen transitioning from a 'greenfield' (new construction on undeveloped land) to a 'brownfield' (construction over existing infrastructure) section. This area features completed pillars and laid road sections, indicating significant progress. The existing NH 44 runs beneath these elevated expressway sections.
Further along, near Chadwal (Kathua), the expressway is again seen under construction, with pillars and box girders being prepared for placement. The work is progressing at a high speed, with large machinery and extensive material stockpiles visible. The expressway then rejoins NH 44 at Hiranagar, where more construction is underway, including shuttering work for new sections. The family notes the presence of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus in Jammu, with buildings visible from the expressway, and speculates about a future interchange for easier access.
Journey's End and Practical Takeaways
The journey continues through Supwal and Vijaypur, where more elevated sections of the expressway are under construction, with pillars completed and box girders awaiting placement. The final major city before Jammu is Bari Brahmana, where the expressway construction is also well underway, with completed pillars and structural work. The family reaches the outskirts of Jammu at approximately 4:30 PM, having departed Jalandhar at 12:40 PM. This indicates a total travel time of around four hours, despite the numerous construction zones and diversions.
The trip highlights the significant progress on the Delhi-Katra Expressway, which, once completed, is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra. For travelers, the current route involves navigating through various towns and construction areas, leading to slower speeds and potential delays. The presence of food joints like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC along the route, particularly after bypassing Pathankot, offers convenient stops. The family recommends trying the famous 'Laddu Garam' (Ram Laddu) at Lakhanpur, a local delicacy. Despite the construction, the existing NH 44 is generally in good condition, ensuring a relatively smooth journey for most parts.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.