Team-BHP - Delhi - Chandigarh : Route Queries

A friend of mine is planning to travel from delhi to chandigarh on 11th November and return on 13th.
Heard that the condition of the highway is really bad due to construction work going on.
Kindly let know if anyone has information. Also suggest the best time to start to avoid traffic etc. He'll be starting from dhaula kuan

TIA
Vikram

@mods: searched but couldn't find any information, hence a new thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by vikramvicky1984 (Post 2567983)

Heard that the condition of the highway is really bad due to construction work going on.

I drove on NH 1 in September 2011 from Delhi to Amritsar and Chandigarh to Delhi. I won't say that the condition of NH1 was bad. Yes, construction work was in progress. But, nothing to worry. The diversions were all good and nicely made with proper signages. I left Chandigarh at 2 pm and reached Dhaula Kuan by 7 pm with one food-break at Neelkanth, Karnal for about 45 minutes. Delhi to Panipat is super expressway. From Panipat onwards, the diversions start due to road improvement works.

J.Ravi has already answered your query.
A few inputs from my side.
More than the diversions (which are quite well marked and not really a big issue - you can maintain speeds of 50-60 kmph unless you get stuck behind a trailer)
its the timing of the drive which matters.
11th being a friday, an evening drive will be choc-a-block full with traffic. Again, Sunday evening will be the same.

Leaving Delhi at 6 AM generally sees you at Ambala by 9 AM and further at Chandigarh by 10 at most. On your way back again leaving early in the morning cuts you time but then you end up hitting Delhi during the peak morning hour traffic in case you are driving on weekdays. Sunday mornings should see you in Dhaulakuan in about 4.15 hours if you the morning drive from Chandigarh starting at most by 6 AM. Road conditions are good but in case you get stuck behind a heavy truck or a bus or a tempo on the side service roads, then maybe you will end up wasting about 45 minutes inthe entire drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmohitg (Post 2568750)

Thanks for the info. Even I am planning to drive down to CHG on the 19th of november for an exam. Will be leaving for Delhi on the 20th after the exam. Hey whats the current rule regarding sun films in chandigarh these days? I have heard the cops there are very strict and love stopping outside station cars.

50% Visibility is the norm for sides and 70 for front and rear.
Drive normally keep a check on speed,and you wont face any problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmohitg (Post 2568750)

The rule book reads the limit of 50% side and 70% front and rear.

I have 30% side visibility films on my Honda City and WagonR and often drive to Chandigarh but no cop ever bothered me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by akshay4587 (Post 2568767)

50% Visibility is the norm for sides and 70 for front and rear.
Drive normally keep a check on speed,and you wont face any problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluevolt (Post 2568773)

The rule book reads the limit of 50% side and 70% front and rear.

Thanks a lot guys. I have 70 and 50% respectively so should not have any problem then. Will still carry the certificate from VKool too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by athanedar (Post 3245038)

I did a similar trip (ambala) few days back but i took the evening 5.15 shatabdi train instead of the volvo bus

Reached delhi arnd 2.15 (flight) ,took the airport metro to new delhi station and then took the shatabdi to ambala

Thought you might want to consider this option too( you'll have to spend some time in ndls as will have an hour to your self)

The 1A of the shatabdi is awesome:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by athanedar (Post 3245038)

Reviving old thread :
I am traveling to Chandigarh & Amritsar in first week of october. Need few pointers.

I am traveling from Pune to Delhi by Indigo flight. Reaching around 2:00 pm in the afternoon on Oct 1st.
We have to immediately travel to Chandigarh.
1. What are the options of Volvo from delhi airport ?

Visit Haryana Roadways website for the finormation. However you are much better off using the Metro services to reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate as the options increase many a fold from there besides cutting on the travel time from Airport to Chandigarh by almost an Hour.

2. How much time does it take to reach Chandigarh in the afternoon considering traffic?
Volvos generally take about 5 hrs to complete the journey.

3. How are the road conditions?
Excellent except a few bottle necks due to road widening and road construction. But since you wont be driving you would not be stressed and will have a comfortable journey.

4. What are the must see attractions in Chandigarh. I will be visiting relatives in Chandigarh but still need opinion from you guyies. I will be there for couple of days.

1. Sukhna Lake in the evening.
2. Nek Chand Rock Garden during the day preferably in the forenoon.
3. Rose Garden.
4. Garden of Five Senses.
5. If you ahev kids you can consider visiting the Fun Park near Panchkula.
6. Chappar Chiiri near Mohali.
7. Pinjore Gardens (about 25 kms from Chandigarh)
8. Mansa Devi temple complex for the religious inclined.
9. Sector 17 for the late evening strolls.
10. Sector 22 for shopping if you can stand the crowd.
11. Sector 35 for the numerous eatries. Ram Chaat Shop @ Sector 34 furniture market for the Gol Gappas (Pani Puri).

Let me know if you want more, lol, I can go on and on. What are your tastes, that can help in limiting the suggestions.

Thanks in advance

All answers are within the quote based on your questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclops (Post 4208245)

Reviving an old thread again..

How long does it takes from Chandigarh to Delhi these days? Hows the traffic? Any particular time to avoid?

Depending on the time and place you leave from Delhi it can take anywhere between 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours without break. Google Navigation is fairly accurate. Roads are 4-6 lanes all the way. If possible avoid evening times between 5-8 Pm while starting from Delhi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclops (Post 4208245)

Reviving an old thread again..

How long does it takes from Chandigarh to Delhi these days? Hows the traffic? Any particular time to avoid?

Also be aware of the speed traps on the highway if driving during day time.
Most famous and prominent ones are after Murthal, Panipat toll road, between Karnal and Pipli and then one near to Mohra before Ambala.