Embarking on an ambitious overnight drive, the Ghulatis On The Go family undertook a significant leg of their journey from Jalandhar to Ahmedabad. This particular segment of their extensive road trip focused on navigating the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway, a crucial infrastructure project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The journey commenced from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in the early hours of the morning, with the primary goal of reaching Ahmedabad by midday.
The chosen route aimed to leverage the newly developed expressway sections, promising reduced travel times and a smoother driving experience. The family's white Isuzu MU-X, a familiar sight in their travel vlogs, was prepared for the long haul, ready to tackle the varied terrains and conditions of the highway. This article delves into the specifics of their night journey, offering insights into road conditions, traffic patterns, and the overall driving experience on this transformative Indian highway.
The decision to start at 2:00 A.M. from Bikaner was strategic, intended to cover a substantial distance during the cooler, less congested hours of the night. As they departed their hotel, the city streets were largely empty, allowing for a swift exit onto the highway. The initial stretch of the journey from Bikaner to the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway was characterized by well-lit roads and minimal traffic, setting a comfortable pace for the night drive. The driver noted the excellent road conditions, highlighting the smooth surface and absence of potholes, which contributed significantly to the driving comfort.
Departure from Bikaner and Entry onto the Expressway
The journey began precisely at 2:00 A.M. from Bikaner. The city roads were deserted, allowing the family to quickly exit the urban area. Within approximately seven to eight minutes, they had transitioned from the city streets to the highway leading to the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway. The initial highway stretch was well-lit, with streetlights illuminating the path, and traffic was sparse, consisting mainly of buses and trucks. The driver expressed satisfaction with the road conditions, describing them as excellent and conducive to a smooth night drive. The primary objective of this early start was to reach Ahmedabad by 12:00 P.M. or 12:30 P.M., emphasizing the efficiency of night travel on these newly developed corridors.
Approximately 15-20 kilometers into their drive from Bikaner, the family reached the entry point of the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway. A sign board indicated Jodhpur was 232 kilometers away, confirming their position on the expressway. The transition onto the expressway marked the beginning of the major part of their journey, which they planned to continue until Sanchore. The expressway itself was well-maintained, offering a seamless driving experience with consistent lighting and clear road markings. The absence of heavy traffic during these early morning hours allowed for sustained speeds and a relaxed atmosphere inside the vehicle.
Night Driving Experience and Road Conditions
The night driving experience on the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway was largely positive. The road was mostly empty, with only occasional buses and trucks sharing the highway. The driver noted the peaceful environment, devoid of the usual daytime traffic, which made for an enjoyable and stress-free drive. The road conditions remained excellent throughout this segment, with no reported potholes or rough patches. This allowed the family to maintain a steady pace and appreciate the smooth ride. The decision to start early was validated by these favorable conditions, enabling them to cover significant ground efficiently.
As the journey progressed, the expressway continued to impress with its infrastructure. Well-placed streetlights provided adequate illumination, and clear signage guided the way. The driver highlighted the absence of any safety concerns, attributing it to the well-maintained roads and minimal traffic. The tranquil atmosphere was further enhanced by devotional music playing in the car, creating a serene backdrop for their nocturnal adventure. This combination of excellent road quality, low traffic, and a comfortable driving environment made the night journey a pleasant experience.
Milestones and Fuel Stops on the Expressway
Several milestones marked their progress on the expressway. A sign board indicated Jodhpur was 214 kilometers away, confirming their continued advancement. Later, another sign showed Osian at 62 kilometers, further detailing their route. Around 3:30 A.M., they passed the first operational Indian Oil fuel station since their departure from Bikaner, indicating the availability of services along the expressway. This fuel station, fully operational and well-lit, provided a convenient stop for other travelers, though the family did not stop there at this point.
Further along the route, around 4:35 A.M., they passed an exit for Phalodi, another town along the expressway. The increasing ambient light signaled the approach of dawn, marking the transition from night to day driving. The appearance of hills in the distance around this time added a scenic element to the journey, indicating a change in the landscape. These visual cues and distance markers helped the family track their progress and anticipate upcoming sections of the route.
Exiting the Expressway and Continuing to Palanpur
The journey on the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway concluded as they approached the Sanchore exit. A large sign board clearly indicated the exit for Sanchore, Tharad, and Jamnagar. At approximately 6:30 A.M., after about four hours of driving on the expressway, they exited at Sanchore. The toll barrier at the exit charged 70 rupees, which was paid via FASTag. The driver noted the efficiency of the toll plaza and the smooth transition off the expressway.
Upon exiting the expressway, the road conditions changed. The initial stretch towards Palanpur was described as bumpy and less smooth compared to the expressway. This section, a single-lane highway, presented a noticeable contrast in driving comfort. Despite the change, the family continued their journey, aiming for Palanpur. They encountered a diversion due to ongoing construction of flyovers, indicating continuous infrastructure development in the region. This required careful navigation through temporary routes, adding a slight challenge to the drive.
Breakfast Stop and Arrival in Palanpur
After navigating the bumpy roads and diversions, the family decided to take a breakfast break. They initially attempted to stop at Hotel Mattu, a familiar spot from a previous trip to the Rann of Kutch. However, due to the early hour, the hotel's kitchen was not yet open for breakfast. Undeterred, they continued their search and found a suitable breakfast spot at Hotel Kargil in Dhanera. This restaurant offered a variety of breakfast options, providing a much-needed respite after their long night drive.
Refreshed after breakfast, the family resumed their journey towards Palanpur. The road conditions gradually improved, with stretches of well-maintained highway. They passed through various towns and cities, including Dhanera, before finally reaching Palanpur. The entry into Palanpur was marked by a busy city environment, with multiple lanes and ongoing traffic. A prominent sign board indicated directions for Abu Road, Palanpur City, and Ahmedabad, confirming their arrival at a major junction. From here, they prepared for the final leg of their journey to Ahmedabad.
Final Stretch to Ahmedabad
The drive from Palanpur to Ahmedabad involved navigating through city traffic and then merging onto a six-lane highway. This section of the journey was characterized by smooth roads and efficient traffic flow, allowing them to maintain good speeds. They passed through various urban landscapes, including the city of Kalol, which featured high-rise buildings and modern infrastructure. The driver noted the impressive development in these cities, with well-maintained roads and ongoing construction of new flyovers, further enhancing connectivity.
As they approached Ahmedabad, the cityscape became more prominent, with numerous high-rise buildings visible in the distance. The final stretch of the journey was on a well-maintained six-lane flyover, offering a smooth and swift entry into Ahmedabad. They arrived at Vaishnodevi Circle at approximately 11:00 A.M., successfully completing their ambitious overnight drive from Bikaner. The total travel time from Bikaner to Ahmedabad was approximately nine hours, a testament to the efficiency of the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway and strategic night driving.
Practical Takeaways
- Strategic Night Driving: Starting the journey at 2:00 A.M. allowed the family to cover significant distances on the expressway with minimal traffic and cooler temperatures, contributing to a faster and more comfortable drive.
- Excellent Expressway Conditions: The Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway, particularly the Bikaner to Sanchore section, offers smooth roads, good lighting, and clear signage, making it ideal for high-speed travel.
- Varying Road Quality: While the expressway is excellent, feeder roads and sections immediately after exiting the expressway, such as the initial stretch towards Palanpur, can be bumpy and require careful driving.
- Fuel and Food Stops: While some fuel stations are operational on the expressway, it's advisable to plan stops in advance, especially for early morning food options, as some establishments may not be open.
- Ongoing Infrastructure Development: The presence of ongoing flyover construction and diversions indicates continuous improvements to the road network, which may temporarily affect travel times but promise better connectivity in the future.
- Traffic Management: Even in smaller cities like Kalol, the highways are well-managed with proper lane markings and flyovers, facilitating smoother passage through urban areas.
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.