[Risky4327]

Planning to visit beaches of Gopalpur in Odisha in the first week of March with my family and a couple of friends.
Since ladies will be onboard, I need to plan the stoppages such that they can have access to clean and decent washrooms after every 3-4 hours.

My choice of route is Jamshedpur - Bahragora - Balasore - Cuttack - Bhubaneswar - Gopalpur.
Another possible route is - Jamshedpur - Keonjhar - Dhenkanal - Gopalpur.

Both routes involve NH16 for last stretch.
Last year, during my trip to Puri, NH 16 was much disturbed due to ongoing construction of various fly overs, especially between Bhadrak and Cuttack.

Any input on this will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Sushil Pingua]

Originally Posted by Risky4327

Planning to visit beaches of Gopalpur in Odisha in the first week of March with my family and a couple of friends.
Since ladies will be onboard, I need to plan the stoppages such that they can have access to clean and decent washrooms after every 3-4 hours.

My choice of route is Jamshedpur - Bahragora - Balasore - Cuttack - Bhubaneswar - Gopalpur.
Another possible route is - Jamshedpur - Keonjhar - Dhenkanal - Gopalpur.

Both routes involve NH16 for last stretch.
Last year, during my trip to Puri, NH 16 was much disturbed due to ongoing construction of various fly overs, especially between Bhadrak and Cuttack.

Any input on this will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Firstly let me correct the second route, it is

--} Jamshedpur - Chaibasa (by-pass) - Balandia - Majhgaon (exterior) - Jaintgarh - Keonjhar - Dhenkikote - Ghatgaon -
Panikoili - Cuttack and ahead to Gopalpur.
There is not much traffic on this route if you begin early from Jamshedpur.

The first route which you have preferred via Baharagora/Balasore will see lot of vehicular traffic and diversions.

In October-2021 I had visited Bhubaneswar via the Balasore route and came back to Jharkhand via the Keonjhar highway. I found the Keonjhar route more relaxed with very less traffic and there are no highway motel/hotels enroute every 3-4 hours SO the best stop for dropping and gaining weight are the highway fuel stations which are well maintained in Odisha.

Therefore if you can leave Jamshedpur in early morning then I would suggest you to take the Chaibasa - Balandia - Majhgaon(exterior) - Keonjhar route.

[Risky4327]

Originally Posted by Sushil Pingua

Therefore if you can leave Jamshedpur in early morning then I would suggest you to take the Chaibasa - Balandia - Majhgaon(exterior) - Keonjhar route.

Thanks a lot Sir, for quick reply.
I tend to start early, around 5 am, for my every road trip.
My colleagues are also suggesting the same route which you have suggested. However I have an inherent inclination towards National Highways, wherever possible.
Will try to explore the present condition of that route from other sources too.

[Risky4327]

Completed my Jamshedpur - Gopalpur - Jamshedpur today.
1. On my insistence to follow 4-lane NH as for as much as possible and since ladies and kids were also accompanying in two Nexons, we took the familiar route of JSR - Bahragora - Baripada - Balasore - Bhadrak - Cuttack - Bhubaneswar - Gopalpur. Took 13 hours with two major stopaggges for breakfast and lunch (each taking 60-75 minutes) and several short pit stops.

2. Jamshedpur to Balasore road (NH-18) is in top notch condition and a delight to drive. The section felt especially safer while returning in after-dark hours. Lane marking, reflectors and signages inspired a feeling of safety.

3. Most parts of NH16 (that's the major part of journey) is under expansion/maintenance and we find diversions and speed breakers after every 4 kilometres. The road itself is in good condition but ongoing works make driving stressful.

4. The part of NH-16 stretching from one end of Bhubaneswar to the other end contains city traffic at few places. Beware of newly installed speed sensing traffic cameras.

5. Despite all these irritants, the resort at Gopalpur and waves at the beaches make it worthwhile.

6. Jamshedpur to Puri is a better option for future weekend beach-calls, mostly due to a travel time shorter by 4 hours.

7. I would definitely try the other route (Chiabasasa - Keonjhar) in next trip.