[drmohitg]

Hi guys. I am planning to undertake a Delhi-Kolkata-Delhi road trip in July. Confused regarding which car to take. Is the road condition suitable to take the 3 series as I really want to enjoy that on the highway. The other option is tried and tested Altis. I would be traveling with one co-passenger only and hence rear seat comfort is of no concern. I would be most likely doing the trip over 2 days with night halt at Varanasi.

[Turbanator]

I am planning to undertake a Delhi-Kolkata-Delhi road trip in July. Confused regarding which car to take. Is the road condition suitable to take the 3 series as I really want to enjoy that on the highway

My office staff did this journey in 7 series 2 months back without any issues , some rough patches after entering in WB , I will check what was the exact place but it was manageable at low speeds.

An update for guys in Gurgaon or nearby , - KMP Expressway on Manesar - Palwal is fully operational now ( no toll at the moment ) one of best road in this region , it took me less than 20 minutes to cover this stretch , exit is clearly marked at both NH8 & NH2 , you can test maximum speed limits of your vehicles on this road

[SS-Traveller]

July will be rainy season, Mohit, and road condition will worsen in the eastern parts.

[gearhead_mait]

Recently covered this stretch on our Kolkata-Kashmir grand road trip in my Hyundai EON. Few updates:

Kolkata-Panagarh
Very good Durgapur expressway. Four lane roads all the way. Panagarh bypass, a four lane road, is operational for small vehicles (though a few stretches is still under construction, hence diversions exist, but good roads free of traffic) and it sweetly bypasses the Panagarh chaos.
At night, taking this bypass would be difficult if coming from Delhi side, as no proper sign exist.

Panagarh-Asansol
As PapaBravo mentioned, a worse stretch with countless diversions and with local traffic during daytime, a real mess.

Asansol-Dhanbad-Barhi
Average roads. I made the mistake of taking the correct (left) flank of Barakar bridge and lost 20 minutes amidst the trucks. Its always advisable to take the opposite flank on this bridge. I loved the ghat roads after Topchanchi. But beware of the culverts around Cobra Hill (3 of them). Few undulations exist on the road but manageable till Barhi.

Barhi-Dobhi-Dehri-On-Sone
Good roads. I was surprised by the road condition in Bihar. Smooth roads with proper signage. One lane of the westward flank of Dehri bridge was under construction and was a bit rough. The bridge is smooth on the eastward flank.

Dehri-Mohania-Varanasi-Allahabad
Average to good roads. Worse was the congestion around Varanasi. Faced this while coming back as well. Still coudn't understand the reason for this congestion.Local traffic between Varanasi and Allahabad and a few diversions as well.Superfine Allahabad bypass.

Allahabad-Kanpur-Etawah-Agra
Good roads. Faced massive congestion (2.5 hours standstill) just after Agra while coming back to Kolkata.

Agra-Delhi
Excellent Yamuna Expressway.While returning, connected to Yamuna Expressway from Tappal. That's another story for the upcoming travelogue.

[drive_factor]

^^ Do those extortionists in the guise of cops still lurk at Kanpur elevated bypass? During my last traversal in 2014 I had to threaten the daylight out of them to let me go untouched. However, one WB Innova was being coerced for Rs 10,000 to overlook a roof carrier which ironically didn't have any luggage on it.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by drive_factor

^^ Do those extortionists in the guise of cops still lurk at Kanpur elevated bypass?

I was stopped by Kanpur Police on the flyover last month, who wanted to see my papers. Showed the fellow everything he wanted to see - RC, PUC, insurance, DL. I don't have a roof rack, tinted glasses or a siren. Then the cop opened his mouth in public - to take my advice regarding some mouth problems related to his habit of gutkha chewing. I am afraid I managed to scare the living daylights out of him.

[drive_factor]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

I was stopped by Kanpur Police on the flyover last month, who wanted to see my papers. Showed the fellow everything he wanted to see - RC, PUC, insurance, DL. I don't have a roof rack, tinted glasses or a siren. Then the cop opened his mouth in public - to take my advice regarding some mouth problems related to his habit of gutkha chewing. I am afraid I managed to scare the living daylights out of him.

But I am sure after all these years, you must be in first name terms with every cop, dhabawala, fuel pump attendant, etc on NH2

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by drive_factor

But I am sure after all these years, you must be in first name terms with every cop, dhabawala, fuel pump attendant, etc on NH2

Dhabawalas and fuel pump attendants - yes, at one or two places. I don't generally stop very often.

Cops - absolutely not. I just make sure there's nothing on the car they can remotely consider fining me for. It certainly helps to have some grey hairs, the family on board, and being a part of the medical profession. Somehow, cops respect doctors.

[Samfromindia]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

I don't have a roof rack, tinted glasses or a siren.

Totally off topic & just curious, is installing roof rack illegal or we need special permissions for them ? There is a official OEM roof rack accessory for my car which i was planning to buy. Now i am having second thoughts about it


http://www.india.ford.com/suvs/ecosp...=1249024077590

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by Samfromindia

...is installing roof rack illegal or we need special permissions for them ?

In UP, PB, UK and HR, I am aware that police stop and fine motorists for having a roof rack on a privately registered vehicle. However yellow plate vehicles are allowed to have roof racks. I don't know whether one can get special permission to install roof racks, though.

[Road_Tripper]

Hello Guys,
I am planning to do Delhi-Asansol next weekend. Would be great if someone can help me out with the most recent road condition in that stretch. Also, it would really be helpful if you suggest some budget hotel in Varanasi for staying overnight. Thanks.

[Road_Tripper]

Originally Posted by Road_Tripper

Hello Guys,
I am planning to do Delhi-Asansol next weekend. Would be great if someone can help me out with the most recent road condition in that stretch. Also, it would really be helpful if you suggest some budget hotel in Varanasi for staying overnight. Thanks.

Have done Delhi-Asansol and back on my Vento TSI. The following are some of the specifics I just thought to share:

Car: Vento TSI 2016 model.
Onward Journey:

Left Delhi on 9 July 5AM - Reached Varanasi at 5 PM.
Left Varanasi on 10 July 4 AM - Reached Asansol 1:30 PM.

Return Journey:
Left Asansol on 16 July 9:30 AM - Reached Varanasi 9:30PM
Left Varanasi on 17 July 8:30AM - Reached Delhi 9:15PM

Road condition remain good throughout and the weathergod was with us. Overall, had an awesome 'Piku' Trip

[dr_rdey]

is the new Panagarh Bypass operational? was supposed to start this August. thanks

[Turbanator]

What's present condition of Highway after rains ? can anyone who has done this stretch recently or is aware, update here please.

[SS-Traveller]

AFAIK, Allahabad-Varanasi and Asansol-Durgapur sections are not suitable for cars with 135 mm GC at the present moment.