Embarking on a significant road trip, the Ghulatis On The Go family set out from Jalandhar, Punjab, with the ambitious goal of reaching Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This particular segment of their journey focuses on the initial leg, covering the distance to Bikaner, Rajasthan. The primary route for this extensive drive was planned to be the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, a key economic corridor designed to enhance connectivity across several Indian states. The journey commenced in the afternoon, with an estimated travel time to Bikaner of approximately eight hours, according to Google Maps.
The video provides a detailed, firsthand account of the road conditions, bypasses, and ongoing construction along this crucial expressway. It offers valuable insights for other travelers planning to traverse this route, particularly concerning the operational status of various expressway sections and the availability of amenities. The drive transitions from established national highways to newly constructed expressway stretches, revealing the evolving landscape of India's road infrastructure.
Departure from Jalandhar and Initial Highway Conditions
The journey began at 2:30 p.m. from Jalandhar, with the immediate objective of reaching Bikaner. The initial part of the drive involved navigating National Highway 703, which connects Jalandhar to Sirsa. This highway, described as being in good condition, is a six-lane road with proper markings, facilitating a smooth start to the trip. The Ghulatis On The Go family noted that Nakodar was 11 kilometers away and Shahkot 30 kilometers away, indicating their progress along this section.
As they continued, the road bypassed Nakodar, with the main highway continuing over a flyover. Shortly after bypassing Nakodar, a food court featuring popular outlets like McDonald's, Ganna Pani, and KFC was observed on the right side, suggesting a convenient stop for refreshments. This stretch of the highway was well-maintained, offering a pleasant driving experience. The journey then proceeded towards Shahkot, which was also bypassed by the main highway, allowing for uninterrupted travel.
Crossing the Satluj River and Expressway Construction
A significant landmark encountered during the drive was the Satluj River, which the family crossed via a bridge. The river, surprisingly full for late May, indicated recent water flow. Beyond the river, the landscape began to show signs of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway's construction. While not yet fully operational in this specific area, the expressway's presence was evident through visible construction work, including flyovers and underpasses.
The Ghulatis On The Go family had previously documented the construction progress of this expressway in other videos, highlighting its importance for future travel. They noted that while this section was still under construction, it was nearing completion, promising improved connectivity in the near future. The current route required them to use state and national highways until they could fully access the operational sections of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway further along their journey.
Navigating Moga and the Route to Bathinda
The drive continued towards Moga, a city approximately five kilometers from their current position. The highway leading to Moga was described as a four-lane road in good condition, allowing for speeds of 70-80 km/h. Upon reaching the outskirts of Moga at 3:35 p.m., the family noted the city's major intersection, where a left turn would lead into Moga city, and a straight path would continue towards Barnala. However, their route required a right turn towards Bathinda, bypassing Barnala, which they had visited on a previous trip to Khatu Shyam Ji.
The road conditions deteriorated slightly after turning towards Bathinda, with some sections being rough and unpaved, resembling gravel. Despite these challenging patches, the journey continued, eventually leading them to the National Highway 7, which connects Bathinda, Barnala, and Chandigarh. This highway was in excellent condition, offering a smooth ride towards Bathinda. They passed a toll barrier before Bathinda, where the toll was Rs. 125, paid via an annual pass.
Arrival in Bathinda and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway
The Ghulatis On The Go family entered Bathinda, a large city in Punjab, at approximately 5:15 p.m. The city's outskirts featured a thermal plant and a lake, known for boating, which served as a good picnic spot. Their route involved circling Bathinda, avoiding entry into the city center, and eventually taking a flyover to connect directly to the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway. This strategic maneuver allowed them to bypass city traffic and directly access the high-speed corridor.
Upon finally merging onto the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, the family expressed excitement. The expressway, a six-lane marvel, offered clear lanes and excellent driving conditions. Despite some initial slow-moving traffic from local vehicles, the road soon cleared, allowing them to maintain a cruise control speed of 105 km/h. The journey on the expressway was described as smooth and enjoyable, with clear markings and well-maintained infrastructure. The family noted the significant progress in the expressway's construction, with many sections now complete and operational, a stark contrast to their previous observations just five to six months prior.
Desert Landscapes and Night Drive to Bikaner
As the journey progressed into Rajasthan, the landscape transformed into a desert, with sand dunes and sparse vegetation. The expressway continued through this scenic terrain, offering a unique driving experience. The first exit on this section of the expressway was for Dabwali, followed by signs indicating Bikaner at 213 kilometers and Jodhpur at 435 kilometers. The road conditions remained excellent, with clear lanes and minimal traffic, making for a fast and efficient drive.
As evening approached and the sun began to set, the drive transitioned into a night journey. The expressway was well-lit with reflectors on both sides, ensuring safety and visibility. The family noted the picturesque views of the desert landscape under the twilight sky, describing it as a beautiful and enjoyable experience. They eventually reached a fuel station on the expressway, a Jio-BP outlet, where they refueled their vehicle. This stop was crucial, as earlier fuel stations were either non-operational or experiencing shortages. With their tank full, they continued their night drive towards Bikaner, aiming to reach their destination by late evening. The night drive on the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway was a highlight, offering a unique perspective of the desert under the stars, with the well-marked and illuminated road providing a sense of security and ease.
Practical Takeaways
This journey on the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway offers several practical takeaways for travelers. Firstly, the expressway significantly reduces travel time between major cities, making long-distance trips more efficient. The road conditions on the operational sections are excellent, supporting high-speed cruising. However, it is crucial to be aware of ongoing construction in certain areas, which might necessitate diversions onto state highways with varying conditions. Planning fuel stops in advance is advisable, as operational fuel stations on the expressway might still be limited. The presence of food courts and rest areas, even if under development, indicates future convenience. Finally, the night driving experience on the expressway is enhanced by good lighting and reflectors, but vigilance for occasional slow-moving local traffic is still necessary.
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.