Highway Travel

I have travelled on highways on several occasions with family. Passing each corner of the country gives a different experience. I stay on National Highway no. 8 that connects the two main metropolitans of the country- Delhi and Mumbai.

Highway infrastructure has improved by leaps and bounds in last ten years once the expressway culture got adopted due the vision “The Golden Quadrilateral”. After the Central Govt. decided and started work on improving the roadways of the country, the consumption of time and energy of reaching spots nearly halved. Highway travel has become more enjoyful with less traffic jams and road mishaps. Several highways have been broadened with six to eight lanes. Neons and sign-boards are placed at various distance points for travelers ease. These boards not only indicate the distance to reach the nearest destination but to the far off places too. Tolls have been constructed on several points to charge for the daily maintenance of these highways. Highways are properly fenced with aluminum planks. At several other points, one can see the facility indicating phone, food, bus stop, speed break, curves etc. One also comes across the greenery on the dividers on the middle of the road. Pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and service lanes are very prominent. It is surprising to see that the road to the smallest and remotest village is also very well indicated through sign boards.

The Golden Quadrilateral, not surprisingly, brought a surge in realty prices. The tourist destinations are well-connected. The villagers have set up small and pretty dhabas. Several shops on the highway cater to everyday goers like truckers and cargo-movers. The accessibility of the villagers to the cities and towns has proved to be fruitful. Cities located near metros have received more benefits. With no space left in metro, people are finding it better to stay and work in nearby areas which give equally good bonanza. For instance, Gurgaon or Noida have achieved fame not only in respect of residential accommodation but commercial ventures too. In fact, staying in Gurgaon is more costly than staying in Delhi.

Change of season has not disturbed the flow of traffic on highways that much. Earlier, foggy winters slowed the pace of vehicular traffic while traffic snarls worsened due to rains. Rains usually created pot holes that led to accidents or slow traffic. Cemented roads have eased the vehicular movement. One cannot compare these highways with any American or European highway; yet, the road ahead has solved most of the difficulties of travelers.