Exploring the New Expressway from Panipat to Kurali

The Ghulatis On The Go family embarked on a road trip from Panipat to Kurali, utilizing the newly developed Chandigarh Ambala Greenfield Expressway. This journey aimed to showcase an updated route that promises to reduce travel time for those heading towards Manali, bypassing the usual congestion points around Chandigarh and Mohali. The trip commenced in the afternoon, providing a different perspective compared to typical morning departures, and offered insights into the current state of the new expressways.

The primary objective of this particular trip was to provide a comprehensive overview of the route from Panipat to Kurali, emphasizing the benefits of the new expressway for travelers originating from Delhi and heading to destinations like Manali. The family noted that this new route could potentially shave off approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the overall travel time to Manali by circumventing Chandigarh and Mohali. This makes the journey more efficient and less prone to traffic delays, a significant advantage for long-distance travelers.

The journey began at approximately 4:30 PM from Panipat. The initial segment involved navigating through the Panipat toll plaza, where the toll charges were noted to be Rs. 40. The family highlighted that this trip was part of a larger effort to map out the most efficient routes for popular destinations, with a particular focus on minimizing travel time and avoiding congested urban areas. The new expressways are a key component of this strategy, offering smoother and faster transit.

Navigating the Initial Tolls and Highways

After departing from Panipat, the journey quickly led to the first toll barrier. The toll charges at this point were Rs. 40. The family explained that their goal was to demonstrate a shorter route for travelers going from Delhi to Manali, specifically mentioning the Chandigarh Ambala Greenfield Expressway as a key bypass. This expressway is designed to alleviate the need to pass through Chandigarh, effectively bypassing Mohali and leading directly to Kurali.

As the drive continued, various signboards provided information on upcoming cities and their distances. For instance, a signboard indicated that Karnal was 18 kilometers away, with Nilokheri at 35 kilometers and Taraori at 31 kilometers. Further along the route, another toll barrier was encountered. This toll plaza had a charge of Rs. 195, which the family considered relatively expensive. They observed the traffic flow and the process of passing through the toll, noting the presence of both private vehicles and commercial trucks.

Crossing Karnal and Approaching Ambala

The route included crossing Karnal via a bypass road, which featured a flyover designed to circumvent the city. Despite some traffic, the broad road ensured a smooth passage. The family noted that reaching Karnal at a good time was beneficial. Following Karnal, the journey continued towards Ambala. Signboards indicated Ambala was 86 kilometers away, Ludhiana 183 kilometers, and Jalandhar 258 kilometers. The drive also passed by Karna Lake near Karnal, adding a scenic element to the journey.

As the evening progressed, the family approached Ambala. A signboard indicated Ambala Cantt was 66 kilometers away, Ludhiana 183 kilometers, and Amritsar 321 kilometers. The plan was to cross Ambala and then enter Punjab to access the expressway that would lead to Kurali. The family emphasized that instead of turning towards Chandigarh from Ambala, which was the traditional route for Manali, they would continue straight to utilize the new expressway that bypasses Mohali.

The Mohali IT City - Kurali Expressway

Upon reaching the entry point to Punjab, near the Shambhu Barrier, the family took a right turn onto the Banur Highway. This highway, though a two-lane road, serves as a crucial link to the new expressway. The family noted that this section of the road was part of the ongoing construction of the Chandigarh Ambala Greenfield Expressway, which is designed to connect directly to Ambala. They observed the construction work, including retaining walls and earth-filling, indicating that the project was still in progress.

The new expressway, once fully operational, is expected to connect Ambala directly, eliminating the need to use the Banur Highway for this stretch. This will further reduce travel time by an additional hour. The family finally entered the Mohali IT City - Kurali Expressway at approximately 6:45 PM. They expressed delight at the smooth and well-lit six-lane expressway, contrasting it with the bumpy stretches encountered earlier in the journey. The expressway featured excellent road conditions, proper street lighting, and clear reflectors, making for a comfortable night drive.

Arrival at Kurali and Travel Time Analysis

The expressway journey culminated at the Kurali exit. The toll charges for this section of the expressway were Rs. 70, which the family considered reasonable given the quality of the road. They noted that the expressway was unmanned, utilizing modern technology for toll collection. The drive on the expressway was smooth, with no jerks even over bridge joints, highlighting the high quality of construction.

The total travel time from Panipat to the Kurali exit on the expressway was approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Considering the starting point in Panipat at 4:30 PM and arriving at the expressway exit at 7:05 PM, the family calculated that a traveler from Delhi (Singhu Border) could reach this point in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This represents a significant time saving of approximately one hour compared to the older routes that passed through Chandigarh and Mohali. The new route offers a much-improved travel experience for those heading to Manali, making the journey faster and more enjoyable.

Practical Takeaways

• Time Savings: The new Chandigarh Ambala Greenfield Expressway and Mohali IT City - Kurali Expressway significantly reduce travel time from Delhi to Manali by approximately one hour, bypassing congested areas.
• Route Planning: Travelers should plan to take the Banur Highway exit from the Shambhu Barrier in Punjab, then turn right to access the Mohali IT City - Kurali Expressway, avoiding the traditional route through Chandigarh.
• Toll Charges: Be prepared for toll charges along the route. The Panipat toll was Rs. 40, an intermediate toll was Rs. 195, and the Mohali IT City - Kurali Expressway toll was Rs. 70.
• Road Conditions: The new expressways offer a very smooth and well-lit driving experience, especially at night, with excellent road conditions and proper infrastructure.
• Ongoing Construction: Some sections, particularly the Banur Highway leading to the expressway, may still be under construction, which could involve two-lane roads and earthwork.
• Night Driving: The expressways are well-lit, making night driving comfortable, but caution is always advised, especially on two-lane sections.
• Future Benefits: Once fully completed, the expressways will further enhance connectivity, potentially extending to Baddi and Shimla, offering even greater time savings for travelers.