The Ghulatis On The Go embarked on a journey to provide an update on the Delhi-Katra Expressway, specifically focusing on the stretch near Ludhiana. The primary objective was to verify claims from a news article suggesting that an entry point to the expressway from Ludhiana was nearing completion. This expedition took them through various local roads, including a scenic route alongside a canal and through agricultural fields, before reaching the main highway and the expressway construction site.
The journey also included a visit to the Ludhiana Fun Kingdom, which features Punjab's only cruise experience. This stop offered a unique recreational aspect to the trip, highlighting local attractions beyond infrastructure development. The video aims to offer a comprehensive ground-level perspective on both the expressway's progress and the local points of interest, providing valuable information for travelers planning trips to Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, or a weekend in Ludhiana.
Navigating Local Roads and Scenic Views
The initial part of the journey began on the Delhi-Katra Expressway, with the Ghulatis aiming to reach the village of Bhogiwali in Ludhiana. A sign for Rupnagar on NH 44 was visible, indicating the general direction. The team then turned onto a local road from the Duraha side, which was chosen for its scenic beauty. This route ran alongside a canal, offering pleasant views and a glimpse into rural life. The road condition along this stretch was noted to be quite poor in some sections, with visible potholes and uneven surfaces, requiring careful driving.
Along this canal-side road, the team encountered the Ludhiana Fun Kingdom, a local amusement and adventure park. The park offers activities such as speed boat rides, a 40-seater cruise, 3D wall climbing, a zip line, and a sky train. The cruise, described as Punjab's only such experience, operates on the canal. The presence of this fun spot along the route added an unexpected element to the journey, suggesting potential for recreational stops for travelers.
Exploring the Expressway's Current Status
After navigating the canal road, the team re-routed through village roads, eventually reaching the Ludhiana-Malerkotla highway, also known as State Highway 11. This highway is a four-lane road in good condition, connecting Patiala (74 km away) and Sangrur (50 km away). The expressway is designed to cross this highway at Bhogiwali village. The team's investigation revealed that while some earthwork for the expressway was visible, significant construction, such as the completion of pillars and the flyover, was still pending. The work appeared to have been halted for a considerable period, with grass growing on the unpaved sections of the expressway.
A news article clip shown in the video claimed that 35.5 kilometers of the expressway, up to the Ghaggar River, had been completed, and a 3-kilometer stretch of one side would be finished within 20 days. However, the on-ground reality at Bhogiwali village indicated that the work was far from complete, particularly for the flyover that would connect the expressway across the Ludhiana-Malerkotla highway. The existing structures were primarily rebar cages for pillars, with no concrete pouring or blacktop work evident in this specific section.
The Ludhiana Fun Kingdom: A Local Highlight
The Ludhiana Fun Kingdom, situated along the canal, presented itself as a notable attraction. The park offers various activities, including small speed boat rides (5-seater for 200 rupees per ride), big speed boat rides (10-seater for 400 rupees per ride), and a 40-seater cruise (500 rupees per ride). The cruise is highlighted as a unique offering in Punjab, providing a fun and scenic experience on the canal. The park also features other adventure activities like 3D wall climbing, a zip line, and a sky train, making it a potential destination for families and individuals seeking entertainment.
The location of the Fun Kingdom, adjacent to the canal and surrounded by green fields, contributes to its scenic appeal. The video suggests that while the primary focus of the trip was infrastructure, discovering such a recreational spot added value to the exploration. The park's offerings could serve as a pleasant diversion for travelers, especially those with children, or as a standalone weekend destination.
Practical Takeaways for Travelers
Based on the ground report, travelers should be aware that the Delhi-Katra Expressway is not yet fully operational or easily accessible from Ludhiana at the Bhogiwali village entry point. While news reports may indicate progress, the actual construction at this specific crossing point is still in its early stages, with significant work remaining on pillars and the flyover. Therefore, claims of a 3-hour travel time from Ludhiana to Delhi via this expressway are premature for this section.
For those traveling between Ludhiana and Malerkotla, the State Highway 11 is a well-maintained four-lane road. The scenic canal road from Duraha offers an alternative, albeit rougher, route with picturesque views and access to the Ludhiana Fun Kingdom. This fun park provides various boating and adventure activities, including Punjab's only cruise, which could be a worthwhile stop. However, travelers should not rely on the Bhogiwali entry point for immediate access to the Delhi-Katra Expressway for their journeys to Delhi, Amritsar, or Vaishno Devi.
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.