The Ghulatis On The Go embarked on a journey from Ahmedabad to the Dholera Expressway, specifically National Highway 751 (NH-751). The drive commenced around 2:55 PM, starting from SG Road in Ahmedabad. The purpose of this trip was to provide a real-time update on the expressway's condition and its connectivity to the developing Dholera Smart City and its international airport. Although the expressway is not yet officially open, traffic is already utilizing the route, offering a glimpse into its operational status and the driving experience it provides.
The initial segment of the journey through Ahmedabad presented typical city traffic, including a notable traffic jam on SG Highway where some construction work was underway. This early part of the drive highlighted the urban challenges before reaching the open expressway. The navigation system indicated a remaining distance of 94 kilometers to Dholera, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, suggesting a relatively quick transit once on the expressway itself.
Navigating Ahmedabad and Connecting to the Expressway
Leaving the bustling city of Ahmedabad, the journey involved navigating through areas like Makarba before connecting to the SP Ring Road. This transition marked the departure from the city's dense traffic and the beginning of the expressway experience. The driver noted the significant pollution in Ahmedabad, which affected visibility, describing the view as 'yellow-yellow' ahead. This observation underscored the contrast between the urban environment and the clearer, more open stretches of the expressway.
After traversing the SP Ring Road for approximately two kilometers, the vehicle successfully merged onto the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway. The entrance to the expressway was clearly marked with signage welcoming drivers to the new route. This segment of the journey demonstrated the planned integration of the expressway with existing road networks, facilitating access from Ahmedabad's periphery.
The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway: Features and Conditions
The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, designated as NH-751, is a four-lane highway designed to be expandable to six lanes. It connects Sarkhej, Ahmedabad, to Adhelai in Bhavnagar, covering a total distance of 109 kilometers. The section of the expressway driven in the video spanned approximately 85 kilometers from the point of entry to Dholera. A key feature of this expressway is its strategic importance in providing connectivity to the upcoming Dholera International Airport, which is anticipated to become a major hub for Ahmedabad in the future.
The road conditions on the expressway were generally smooth, allowing for speeds of around 100 km/h, which is the posted speed limit. However, the driver noted some inconsistencies, particularly at the joints of bridges, where the ride became bumpy. Despite these minor issues, the overall impression of the expressway was positive, with its wide lanes and relatively light traffic contributing to a pleasant driving experience. Interestingly, despite signs prohibiting autos and bikes, some auto-rickshaws were observed on the expressway, likely due to its unofficial operational status.
Toll Plazas and Rest Areas
The expressway features multiple toll plazas along its route. The first toll gate was encountered approximately 7-8 kilometers after entering the expressway. At the time of the drive, the toll plazas were not yet active, allowing vehicles to pass through without charge. This further indicated the expressway's pre-official launch phase. The presence of these plazas, however, suggests that tolls will be implemented once the highway is fully operational.
Signage for a rest area, including facilities like toilets and food options, was observed about two kilometers before the Dholera Airport exit. However, upon inspection, the rest area was found to be undeveloped, with no operational facilities available. This highlights that while the infrastructure for amenities is planned, their implementation is still in progress. The lack of operational services means drivers currently need to plan their stops before or after using the expressway.
Approaching Dholera: Airport and Township Exits
As the journey progressed, signs indicating distances to Dholera Airport and various Town Planning (TP) schemes became more frequent. Dholera Airport was marked as 39 kilometers away, with Bhavnagar at 81 kilometers. Later, Dholera Airport was indicated as 20 kilometers away, with TP-1A and 1B at 27 kilometers, and Bhavnagar at 62 kilometers. These signs underscore the expressway's role in connecting Ahmedabad to the emerging Dholera Smart City, which is being developed with multiple planning schemes.
The exit for Dholera Airport (Exit Km 67A) and Pipli (Exit Km 67B) was a significant intersection, indicating the direct access points to the new developments. The driver noted that the road leading to Dholera Airport was a left turn, while the main expressway continued towards Bhavnagar and Pipli. Further along, another exit for Dholera TP-1A and 1B was observed, signaling the beginning of the new township areas. The construction activities visible in the distance confirmed the ongoing development of Dholera as a smart city.
Arrival in Dholera and Final Impressions
The Ghulatis On The Go reached Dholera at 4:22 PM, approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes after departing from central Ahmedabad. The journey concluded at an exit point for Dholera TP-3 and 4, and Sandhida. The driver chose not to take this exit due to the undeveloped nature of the connecting road, which appeared to be unpaved. This decision highlighted the current state of the surrounding infrastructure, which is still under construction.
Overall, the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway offers a smooth and efficient route, significantly reducing travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera. While the main expressway is in good condition, some bridge joints presented minor bumps, and the ancillary facilities like rest areas and connecting roads to the new townships are still under development. The presence of ongoing construction and the clear signage for Dholera Airport and various Town Planning schemes indicate the ambitious scale of development in the region, positioning the expressway as a crucial artery for Gujarat's future growth.
Practical Takeaways
- Current Status: The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway (NH-751) is open for traffic but not yet officially inaugurated.
- Travel Time: The journey from central Ahmedabad to Dholera took approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes, departing at 2:55 PM and arriving at 4:22 PM.
- Road Conditions: The main expressway is generally smooth, with a speed limit of 100 km/h. However, some bridge joints can be bumpy.
- Traffic: Despite not being officially open, there is noticeable traffic, including cars and heavy vehicles. Auto-rickshaws were also observed, despite signs prohibiting them.
- Tolls: Toll plazas are present but were not active during the drive, meaning no tolls were collected.
- Amenities: Planned rest areas with facilities like toilets and food are not yet operational. Drivers should plan stops accordingly.
- Connectivity: The expressway provides direct access to Dholera International Airport and various Town Planning (TP) schemes, with clear signage indicating exits.
- Development: Significant construction is underway in the Dholera region, indicating the development of a new smart city and international airport.
- Connecting Roads: Some connecting roads to the new townships are still unpaved and under development, requiring caution.
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.