Back to story.. Day 2 continuing..
We departed at 6.20pm from Seoni Motel after coffee break. Day's target, Adilabad, was still approx 340 kms away! Major part of remaining NH7 route was 4lane, but there was 2lane Seoni forest ghat section left after Seoni bypass, then quite a lot diversions/oneway traffic before Nagpur, Kampty and Nagpur cities were to be passed through the city, and again lot of diversions approx 100 kms after Nagpur from Pandhakwada (spelling?), till Adilabad. I was aware of all these as had been to this route only previous month.
So speed was to be maintained, but, thankfully, we could pass through Seoni forest ghat section in day light. I like such stretches, showed the family how beautiful and important those natural forest habitats were. I passed through that area around 60-80 kmph only as we kept talking about it. Kids also got some practical education about it. An interesting incident at Nagpur!
Nagpur, we entered at 8.40pm. It was peak city traffic, though all through after crossing Kampty, roads are 4lane in Nagpur city, and NH7 passes through the city straight (HVK sir gave all this info to me for my previous Adilabad trip).
We were going smoothly through the city, at a Red light signal, one lorry was crossing infront of me, at the time signal was just turning into yellow from green. As we were also in hurry, I kept close to it and crossed behind it, but, as it'd be, when I was actually crossing, signal turned into red! But there was no way to stop, so I even moved faster and closer to lorry, I have seen two traffic police constables on side, precisely for catching people like me!, One of them moved fast inside the road to stop me, I kept it closest possible to the lorry, and didn't stop! What else to do! Stopping means, seeing a UP registration black safari, they could have framed me for what not! Sply when I have actually offended law in strict sense.
My son seeing behind said, 'I think they'll be chasing us on bike, as they ran towards bike'. I told son to keep watching, but there is no way now, except to flee from here! Amidst heavy city traffic, I kept the vehicle in middle thick of the traffic on next few signals. After 3-4 signals, I was relieved that they wont come this far, but, another worry was, they transpiring this info on walki-talkie to their next team and we being stopped. But, I have seen that they were just constable, not a full-fledged traffic police team. But, they surely must have tried to catch us on next signal which came just after 1-1.5 kms. And that again was on same position! just turning into yellow infront of me, so, I crossed it too, to be on safe side. But, I crossed those signals, before the other side traffic could start! So, though, it was an offense, but, no safety issue could come into picture.
Finally, once out of the city on beautiful 4lane open stretch, we stopped on a fuel bunk for much needed toilet break at 9.30pm. I also washed my face, got fresh for tough last leg of the day, and started at 9.50 pm.
Nagpur - Adilabad is also approx 190 kms with half of the route having diversions and bad roads! So, at one point of time, thought of changing the plan and staying at Nagpur also came to mind, but, decided to go for the original plan, as finding hotel in Nagpur city at that time could be a problem for us, as parking such a big car in middle of the city is a problem. And then, if we dont follow schedule, completing this trip was not possible. Also I was less worried about the family as they had sleeping arrangements.
First half of the 4-lane stretch passed in a flash, but later stretch really took time, but, I kept going and going amidst broken roads and deserted terrain! All co-passengers were sleeping, occasionally, wife will ask, how much is left, everything is fine na, you are ok! like that.
Finally, we reached Adilabad Hotel at 1.10 am. I have already called Hotel in evening as I have stayed there earlier. Everyone tired, we had biscuits, snacks, juices and went to bed at around 2 am.
No pics from this part.
Day 3 with pics coming up next..
Last edited by LongDrive lover : 4th July 2010 at 18:52.
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