The Ghulatis On The Go family embarked on a morning road trip from Jalandhar, Punjab, with their primary destination being Delhi. The journey, which commenced at 6:00 AM, aimed to explore the newly inaugurated Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi. This new route is designed to provide a direct link to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and Gurugram, bypassing the city's usual traffic congestion. The family's objective was to document the experience of traveling on this modern expressway, offering insights into road conditions, travel times, and key landmarks along the way.
The initial leg of the journey covered the well-known National Highway 44 (NH44), a route the family frequently travels. While generally smooth, recent monsoon rains had introduced some potholes, necessitating careful driving. Despite these minor imperfections, the road was largely in good condition, with ongoing repair work noted. The overall expectation for the drive was a smooth experience, setting the stage for the exploration of the UER-II.
The journey from Jalandhar to Delhi is approximately 370 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of 5 to 5.5 hours. The video focuses on the stretch from Jalandhar to Delhi, with particular emphasis on the UER-II. The family's dedication to showcasing this new infrastructure suggests its significance for travelers looking to optimize their journey to the airport and other key destinations around Delhi.
Navigating NH44: Punjab to Haryana
The drive began on NH44, a familiar and generally smooth highway. The first major city to be bypassed was Ludhiana, located 15 kilometers from the point where the family was filming. A bypass route around Ludhiana allowed for continuous travel without entering the city. Further along, the journey involved crossing the Sutlej River via a bridge, where the high water levels due to recent monsoons were a notable sight. The water had risen significantly, almost reaching the railway bridge visible in the distance, indicating a serious situation in Punjab, though water levels were receding at the time of travel.
The first toll plaza was encountered just before Ludhiana. The family utilized an annual FASTag pass, which automatically deducted the toll. This pass, which allows for 200 crossings, had 199 crossings remaining after this first deduction, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of electronic toll collection. The journey continued through Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh, and Sirhind, three cities situated close to each other. Khanna's market area was visible from the highway, and the family noted the presence of various food outlets in the vicinity.
Upon reaching the Shambhu Toll Tax, the second toll plaza of the trip, the family officially transitioned from Punjab into Haryana. This toll plaza marks the state border, and the annual pass facilitated a smooth crossing. The road conditions remained generally good, despite some minor potholes attributed to the monsoon season. The family emphasized the importance of careful driving, especially after heavy rains, but affirmed that the highway was largely conducive to a comfortable journey.
Ambala and Karnal: Key Haryana Cities
Continuing through Haryana, the family passed through Ambala, a city known for its significant army cantonment and a major railway junction. The highway provided a flyover, allowing them to bypass the main city area and proceed directly towards Ambala Cantt. The presence of numerous food joints and outlets along this stretch was highlighted, offering convenient stops for travelers seeking breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The family noted the strategic importance of Ambala Cantt for the Indian Army and its role as a major transportation hub.
Further into Haryana, the journey involved crossing Kurukshetra, a historically significant city, which was bypassed via a flyover. The family then approached Karnal, which was 15 kilometers away, with Delhi still 147 kilometers distant. The highway continued to offer a smooth driving experience, with clear signage indicating distances to upcoming cities like Panipat and Sonipat. The consistent quality of the road surface and the presence of amenities along the route contributed to a pleasant travel experience.
Murthal: A Culinary Hub on NH44
A notable stop along NH44 is Murthal, a strategic location renowned for its exceptional food outlets. The family described Murthal as a hub of five-star level dhabas and restaurants, including popular names like Haveli and Amrik Sukhdev. These establishments are so famous that people often make special trips just to dine there. The family themselves frequently stops at Amrik Sukhdev during their travels. This area represents a significant aspect of Indian highway culture, offering high-quality food and rest facilities for long-distance travelers.
The journey through Murthal also involved another toll barrier, where the annual FASTag pass was again utilized. The efficiency of the electronic toll system ensured a quick passage, reinforcing the benefits of having such a pass for frequent highway users. The family noted that despite the numerous crossings made throughout the year, the annual pass remained a cost-effective solution for their travels. The presence of these well-maintained food and rest stops makes Murthal an ideal break point for journeys between Jalandhar and Delhi.
Entering Delhi: The UER-II Expressway
The most anticipated part of the journey was entering Delhi via the newly inaugurated Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). This expressway, recently opened by the Prime Minister, is a significant infrastructure development aimed at reducing travel time to IGI Airport and Gurugram. The family entered Delhi at the Kundli barrier, marking the beginning of the UER-II section. The expressway is designed to bypass the congested city center, offering a direct and faster route to key destinations.
The UER-II is a six-lane highway, with three lanes in each direction, ensuring smooth traffic flow. The road conditions were described as top-notch, with no jerks or discomfort during the drive. The speed limit on the UER-II varies, with sections allowing speeds of 100 km/h, 80 km/h, and 60 km/h, depending on the specific stretch. The family maintained a speed of around 80-90 km/h to comfortably film the journey. While the expressway is new, some local traffic, including bikes and auto-rickshaws, were observed on the restricted lanes, posing a minor safety concern. However, it was anticipated that enforcement would improve over time.
The UER-II features multiple exits connecting to various parts of Delhi, including Rohini, Sonipat, Bahadurgarh, and Dwarka. It also connects to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, further enhancing connectivity. The expressway includes impressive tunnels, adorned with hand-painted murals depicting Indian culture and heritage. These tunnels are well-lit and spacious, providing a unique and visually appealing driving experience. The family was particularly impressed by the artistic and functional design of the tunnels, describing them as a world-class engineering marvel.
Arrival and Practical Takeaways
The journey through the UER-II significantly reduced travel time to Delhi's IGI Airport. The family noted that the entire stretch from the UER-II entry point to the airport exit took approximately 37 minutes, a remarkable improvement compared to the 1.5 to 2 hours it previously took to navigate through Delhi's city traffic. This reduction in travel time is a major benefit for commuters and travelers, making the UER-II a valuable asset for regional connectivity.
The UER-II offers a smooth, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing driving experience. The clear signage, multiple exits, and high-quality infrastructure contribute to a comfortable and efficient journey. For those traveling from Punjab towards Delhi's IGI Airport or Gurugram, the UER-II provides a direct and time-saving alternative to the traditional routes. The presence of world-class tunnels and artistic murals also adds to the overall appeal of the expressway, making the drive an enjoyable experience. The family highly recommends this route for its efficiency and quality, marking it as a significant achievement in India's infrastructure development.
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.