The Ghulatis On The Go family embarked on a journey from Jalandhar to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh, aiming to document the travel time and road conditions along the newly opened Mohali IT City-Kurali Expressway. This route is a significant development, promising to cut down travel time by bypassing city traffic that previously caused considerable delays. The video provides a detailed, real-time account of the drive, offering valuable insights for other travelers planning to use this route.
Starting at 8:10 AM from the outskirts of Jalandhar, near the East Food Village, the family set out to cover the distance to Chandigarh Airport. Their primary goal was to provide an accurate assessment of the travel duration, especially noting the impact of the new expressway. The journey highlights various sections of the road, including bypasses around towns and the smooth, newly constructed expressway, offering a comprehensive overview of what drivers can expect.
Departure from Jalandhar and Initial Route
The journey commenced at 8:10 AM from the outskirts of Jalandhar, near the East Food Village. The initial stretch of the road offered a clear view of the sunrise, indicating an early start to the day. The family's objective was to reach Chandigarh Airport via the new Mohali IT City-Kurali Expressway, which is part of the Chandigarh-Ambala Greenfield Expressway. This new route was anticipated to significantly reduce travel time, as previous journeys required navigating through Mohali city, which was often congested with traffic lights.
The new expressway promised to shave off approximately 45 minutes from the total travel time, with an estimated journey duration of two hours. The initial part of the drive involved leaving National Highway 44 and taking a left turn towards Chandigarh. This transition marked the beginning of the route designed to bypass urban traffic, setting the stage for a potentially faster and smoother travel experience.
Navigating Bypass Roads and Toll Plazas
As the journey progressed, the family encountered several bypasses and toll plazas. The first toll plaza charged Rs. 105. The video notes that all toll charges mentioned are for a single direction. The route then led to the Banga city bypass, which features a long flyover designed to circumvent the city's traffic. This four-lane flyover allows for continuous movement, saving considerable time that would otherwise be spent in city congestion.
After crossing Banga, the journey continued for approximately 13 kilometers before reaching the bypass of Nawashahar, now known as Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. This bypass, characterized by its cemented highway, also helps in avoiding city traffic, allowing for travel at a consistent speed of around 90 km/h due to the absence of heavy traffic. The second toll barrier encountered on this trip charged Rs. 70, and notably, it was an unmanned barrier, automatically deducting the toll, which was a new experience for the family in Punjab.
Mid-Journey Stop and Further Progress
Following the bypasses, the family made a brief stop at Heritage Haveli, a popular roadside restaurant, for a tea break. This stop, lasting approximately 10 minutes, provided an opportunity to refresh before continuing the drive. The Haveli complex offered various food outlets, including Burger King and KFC, catering to different preferences. After the short break, the journey resumed towards Chandigarh Airport.
The route then led to the bypass of Rupnagar (Ropar), where the family took the flyover to continue straight, avoiding the city. This section included crossing a bridge over the Satluj River, a notable landmark along the route. The continuous bypasses and flyovers underscored the efficiency of the new expressway in minimizing interruptions and maintaining a steady pace.
The Mohali IT City-Kurali Expressway
The highlight of the journey was entering the Mohali IT City-Kurali Expressway. This six-lane expressway is described as very smooth, with ongoing construction indicating further enhancements. A unique feature of this expressway is the absence of central median cuts, meaning drivers need to use side ramps and flyovers to change directions, a new concept in road design. The third toll plaza on this expressway charged Rs. 60, and it was noted that annual passes are operational here.
The expressway is designed to connect directly to Chandigarh Airport, bypassing the Mohali city traffic entirely. The video captures the moment of entering this new section, emphasizing its smooth surface and the absence of jerks, likening it to a 'butter highway.' This new infrastructure is a testament to modern engineering, significantly improving connectivity and reducing travel stress.
Arrival at Chandigarh Airport
Upon nearing Chandigarh Airport, the family observed significant development, with new buildings and infrastructure emerging along the route. The airport itself is now just 3 kilometers away, with clear signage directing travelers. The new expressway connects directly to the airport road, bypassing the previous congested routes through Aerocity and Mohali city. This direct access eliminates the need to navigate through multiple traffic lights and busy urban areas, which previously added 40-45 minutes to the journey.
The arrival at the airport's departure terminal was smooth, with a self-service kiosk issuing entry tickets. The ticket allows for a 10-minute free grace period, after which charges apply: Rs. 170 for 11-20 minutes and Rs. 500 for over 20 minutes. The total travel time from Jalandhar to Chandigarh Airport, including a 10-minute tea break, was 2 hours and 5 minutes. Excluding the break, the actual driving time was 1 hour and 55 minutes, fulfilling the promise of a sub-2-hour journey.
Practical Takeaways
The journey from Jalandhar to Chandigarh Airport via the new Mohali IT City-Kurali Expressway offers several practical benefits for travelers. The most significant advantage is the reduced travel time, now consistently under two hours, thanks to the extensive network of bypasses and flyovers that circumvent city traffic. This makes early morning flights or late-night arrivals much more manageable.
Drivers can expect smooth, well-maintained roads, particularly on the newly constructed expressway sections. While there are multiple toll plazas, the charges are reasonable for the quality of the infrastructure. The unmanned toll barriers contribute to faster passage, though travelers should ensure their FASTag is active. The direct connectivity to the airport, bypassing Mohali city, is a major convenience, eliminating previous traffic bottlenecks. Overall, this new route provides a highly efficient and pleasant travel experience, making it the preferred option for those commuting between Jalandhar and Chandigarh Airport.
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.