My intention behind writing road-reviews have been to provide necessary information to fellow travelers (read drivers) who wish to undertake that journey. With that thought, probably New Delhi to Patna by road, doesn’t make the cut, since not many would be traveling (read driving) such a long stretch. Patna is not a hot tourist place and neither is it close enough to let people choose the tar instead of routine rail or expensive air. So the only real reason I think would be then to use this is to get and feel high, since I did it, just the last week. I drove all the way to Darbhanga (200 Km further to Patna) from Delhi. May be 10 years down the line when I read this again, I would feel young (and stupid), so here it is Delhi Patna Road Review.
Delhi – Patna can be divided into following stretches.
Delhi to Patna Distance – 1050 – 1100 KMs , Time – 32 hours with a 12 hour night stop at Allahabad or Banaras. 20-22 hours non-stop with 2 meal breaks and 2 tea breaks.
1. Delhi – Agra – Etawah
2. Etawah – Kanpur
3. Kanpur – Allahabad
4. Allahabad – Banaras
5. Banaras – Patna
Delhi to Patna Road Map
1. Delhi – Agra – Etawah Distance
Distance – 320 KM , Time – 5 hours including a 20 minutes stop at McDonalds, Mathura.
You need to get on NH2 which is more popularly known as Mathura Road. The road exits Delhi from the south so depending upon your point of stay in Delhi, you need to plan an early exit. Ask for ‘Ashram’, its on Ring Road, and then take Mathura Road. Stick to it and cross Badarpur on the way. Badarpur has the reputation of snarling traffic so try to cross that before 6 AM else you would lose some precious time. Keep going straight and cross Palwal. The quality of the road is fantastic and you can easily clock an avg of 65-70 an hour. The traffic would slow down at Kosi trade tax barrier. Again, if you can get past Badarpur by 6, you would be able to avoid this mini-jam. The directions are a no brainer since it’s the same NH2 all the way till Banaras (or Mohania to be precise). Apart from the good tar, there is nothing else great to look at so have some good music and conversation within the cabin. As you approach Mathura, look for that huge M sign of McDonalds. It’s the only decent place to stop for a quick grab but be alert on the time spent as it can eat your valuable minutes without anyone realizing it. Also, if you are leaving early, then its a good stop to relieve yourself and get some clean-hot snacks to fill your belly.
The above pic is from Aditya’s post on Delhi-Agra-Kanpur, which now seems like the most reliable and detailed post on internet. I was so busy driving that I actually missed it.
As you cross Mathura, you would shortly get into Agra madness. Keep your patience and drive safe. There is a lot of petty traffic and some of it can get aggressive very easily so resist your set-the-world-right temptations and allow the wrong-side traffic to carry on with this business-es. If you are not very un-lucky, it should not take lot of time, 30 minutes to cross Agra. If you care and have time, then you can stop for few minutes and watch Sikandra fort. Its right there on the road, on the left.
Once you are out of Agra, the road gets a little better and traffic reduces. Press the pedal and hit Firozabad. This is the first city (after Agra) where you would start to feel the Mughal Era. Some of the old buildings could be still seen, the city is known for its bangles and glass work. There are these big tempting bangles showrooms which you need to pass quickly else a female fellow traveler’s urge makes you stop. After Firozabad, you have Shikohabad and finally Etawah. The roads are really good and you should be able to do an average of 65 (if not 70). This road falls under ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ and NHAI is currently finishing the road in Etawah, so you would need to take a detour. It should be done shortly, most of it is done.
2. Etawah – Kanpur
Distance – 150 KM. Time – 2 hours non-stop
In this stretch you do nothing but just drive quick. Very sparse in terms of traffic and the road is new. The only but very critical and important thing which you need to be aware is that you would find oncoming traffic on the wrong side of road at full speed. It’s a double road so while you think that you can drive at 100 KMph on the right lane of the left road, in practice you can’t do that. This is something which you will see for almost rest of NH2, more when you get out of big cities and are in vicinity of small towns. There is no point in spoiling your drive by getting into the blame game so as I said before, resist the temptation of setting-the-world-right and give these guys their way and forget about it. Since the visibility is good because of no distractions like polls, posters, hoardings, trees, road being straight, it’s not too difficult to spot these wrong-side-right-fellas so just let them go. You can actually do this stretch in less than 2 hours.
3. Kanpur – Allahabad
Distance – 200 KM, Time – 4 hours since the by-pass is not yet done
Most of the road within the Kanpur city is an elevated road, so that takes you away from city traffic. You need to keep on NH2 and should not be taking any left exits, which go to the city. The landscape (and the social-scape) would now begin to change. We are now starting to get into Eastern UP and as you travel more towards East, the poverty would start to hit you. It’s not very visible since you are still on a big-side road but as your cross small towns, you would start to see it. The shops in these towns are more like the assembled contraption of wood-and-aluminium (from vanaspati ghee tins) and it’s not un-common to find small kids relieving themselves in open along the road.
The road is all the same, quick and clean with very minimum traffic. About 60 Km after Kanpur, look for a big BP petrol pump on your right, its in Malwa and is a COCO (Company Owned Company Operated). Its time to re-fuel (assuming that you started with a full-tank) and get some fresh air. There is a small tea shop where you can have tea and snacks. There are swings and some green area to relax. Loos are clean though not too great. It seemed like a nice-clean and big place to have some quick bites and get enough energy to hit Prayag, the Sangam city.
Allahabad is about 140 KM from this place, you would pass many small towns and finally you would reach a point, from where it appeared to me that NH2 is making a by-pass. Its not yet ready and didn’t seem like it would be done shortly. In any case, we had decided to stay put in Allahabad (a quick story on that later) so we went in. You would pass a town called Lukarganj. The road suddenly gets narrow and some of the stetches are actually stone-paved, with so much of petty traffic and narrow-potholed roads because of rain, you wonder whether you would ever make it to Prayag. Sustain all that and find a good place to stay. I stayed at Kanha Shyam which I think is incorrectly rated (high) and has lived its life. I looked at Map and it shows a by-pass kind of thing. Anyway.
4. Allahabad – Banaras
Distance – 120 KMs, Time – 2.5 Hours (if you are coming from city, once by-pass is there, it would be less than 2 hours)
I think I started to write about the social side but didn’t elaborate much. Now you are in true Eastern UP. While the quality of the roads remain same, the infrastructure seems to have taken a beating. The houses wont have plasters on the outer walls in small towns, the shops have no spank and the landscape looks more rural. There are less tractors in the fields and there are more people with bare chests and worn-out dhotis. Even though it would look more like apna-desh, it may not be necessarily pleasant. Almost everyone would be chewing pan or a gutkha, from toll man to rick puller to khaki clad police wallahs. There is definitely much less rush and there is more time per transaction but it can get a little depressing at times, especially for spoil-ed metropolitans. I noticed more of this since I stayed at Prayag and had to really pass through couple of small towns. I think one of them was Hanuman-Ganj (what a hindu-muslim solidarity name of a place, hanuman and ganj) but most of you would avoid this if you don’t chose to stay at Allahabad.
Anyway, I would come back and rather focus on road, since we have a long way to go. We stayed at Banaras but if you don’t then that’s much better since Banaras is not on NH2. You spend a lot of time going in the city and coming out (that has its own charm but can be avoided at least in one of the to or fro trip).
5. Banaras – Patna
Distance – 250 KM, Time – 5 hours
Eastern UP is gradually getting over. While you can survive the chaos and sheer variety of Banaras by being more patient, we were preparing ourselves to enter Bihar which over time has lost its reputation of being a hub of culture-education and power. Since we were in the city, we headed towards Mughal Sarai to get to other side of Ganga. Mughal Sarai used to be a big hub for Indian Railways at one point of time, it even is today, to a great extent but development over time has acted as a great leveler, and for the same reasons it’s fairly big and the urban sprawl goes on for a while. I still remember the times, when the loco of our train would be changed, from Diesel to Electric or vice-versa, depending upon which side you are going to. Banaras and Mughalsarai is divided by a bridge. After crossing Mughalsarai, we joined NH2 and it was again 6 lane high-speed drive till Mohania.
From Mohania, you can either go all the way down to Kolkata or take a left to reach Patna via Ara. As we took the left, the landscape suddenly changed. From a double road highway, we were on a single two lane road but very well tar-red. On both sides we had long stretches of fields. Since it was June, the rice has not yet made in and there was nothing on the fields at most of the places.
I realize that a lot of people are not reading the comments. Well things change so do read the comments for latest. As of now, do NOT take the exit at Mohania, instead go a little further till Sasarem and then head towards Ara. Mohania-Ara is being re-built from the scratch so hopefully when its done it would be a breeze but till then, go via Sasarem.
We crossed numerous small towns on the way, we were able to get past quick because there was hardly any traffic. The occasional bus or even less occasional tractor was what we needed to maneuver. We drove past Buxar (remember the battle of Buxar) and were heading to one of the big political and historical marvels of all times. This part of Bihar is a little better-off in terms of overall development, employment, money, at least till Ara. The distance of 150 KM from Mohania to Ara was spent in less than 3 hours. We had not planned to break till Patna so we kept going.
At Ara, we had a one hour stop at a railway crossing. As many as five trains passed while the barriers were down. This simply killed the good time we had saved but anyway. From Ara, the road quality takes a hit, especially as you reach Danapur, even though Danapur is a cantonment area.
One interesting ride which I should share with all of you is this real long road bridge, after Arrah. As we were approaching the bridge, we noticed that the traffic has gradually started to drift towards right and there is this serpentine line which seemed to be heading at some barrier. We suspected a railway crossing, being ignorant we kept on our left and after passing all the waiting trucks (which were now on our right), we discovered that there is this long road/rail bridge. So we reached to the head of the queue, may be the make of the car did it or what, we were not looked at with contempt by the few police-men who were controlling the entry to the bridge. After a while, we were asked to move in and boy what a view. Try to imagine a narrow real long straight bridge which is double-decker, since the rail bridge is on first floor, is old, the color if the iron has gone rust-colored, you look down and you see Ganga and there are not many cars in front, infact none for us. The bridge is so long that you can’t see the other end and I didn’t meter it but it must be more than a KM. If someone from that area is reading this then we would really benefit from some more details. It was one damn different experience.
Ok, So it’s already past noon. Enter Danapur, remember to take a right (so keep asking) else you would get into something which you would regret (we almost did). Get off Danapur and you are at Patna. You are still at the out-skirt but you could sense that this once has been one of the greatest cities of all times, the patliputra, a city which has seen the only golden era of Indian History. So much for drive and for the adrenaline, we were finally there.
I was to drive beyond Patna (200 KMs further towards North) but I would save you further fatigue. Its been a really really long journey. We crossed the longest bridge on Ganga (5 odd KM), Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which was not in a good condition. Some pics before I close.
Mahatma Gandhi Setu
Keep going
We could see the mammoth Ganga in its full glory and as we looked up, the astonishing skyscape was even more grand. Being humbled by both, we clicked some pics, thanked our stars , while still driving and carried on.
Faiz Bhai – Sorry for the delay. I looked at maps and the route via Gaya is longer by 40 odd KMs. If my understanding is correct then take the Gaya route. If it is indeed 80 KMs then go via Patna. Patna-Mohania connection seems to be good as per recent updates.
Wish you luck and do update on what you finally end up taking.
thanks for the reply nandan bhai,
i am happy to report that i successfully transported a maruti a-star from begusarai to delhi without any major hiccups. :-)
started at 5 am and joined the NH2 at Dobhi. Went via barbigha-biharsharif-gaya. The barbigha route to bihar sharif is shorter than the bhaktiyarpur route, but much worser. From bihar sharif the roads are mostly decent.
After dobhi, no need to explain I guess. :-)
It may sound incredible but I was able to achieve speeds of over 155km/hr on that unassuming little car! It helped that I was driving solo and without any heavy luggage.
With minimal stops, I reached Etawah by 7 pm and stayed the night at a friend’s place.
A few words of caution to my fellow travelers. At such high speeds, mileage takes a big hit. So fill up accordingly. Also, most of the bypass roads are really long and don’t have any petrol pumps. So make sure you have enough fuel to make it to the other end before you get onto a bypass. I got stuck midway on the allahabad bypass and had to unnecessarily take an exit into the city just to fill up. Could have saved more than half an hour if I had enough fuel.
Thank you once again. Your post and the comments gave me the confidence to do this on my own with such a small vehicle. And am so glad I did!
nandanji namaskar, i have tried to write in hindi with help of google but failed,now i m going to one of my friend who is expert of computer.although ur this article is old,but still relevent to people like me.if u have any idea can u guide me which route i should follow for haridwar from patna.via gorakhpur or via varanasi,as i checked both the route on net ,it’s not mentioned any where that what is the condition of road?
@ Rajesh – Thank you for trying the Hindi suggestion.
As for route, If possible I would take NH2 (Varanasi) and reach Delhi and then do a Delhi-Haridwar. It might take almost same time. If you can not avoid Delhi, then take Varanasi route.
Hi sir,
can you just also inform about the petrol stations location, coz those are the most required information.
will be greatfull to you.
Ashish – You can find good petrol pumps all through, right on the highway. There is a BP COCO (Company Owned , Company Operated) between Kanpur and Allahabad. It is a big one so you wont miss it. Rest you can find them as you drive along. Best wishes.
Want to travel from Begusarai to New Delhi with family in my Zen Estilo car . Please guide me whether I should touch NH 2 via Gaya or via Patna , which one will be faster to cover seeing the traffic in Patna.
Hi Nandan
Came to Darbhanga from Delhi, on 15th Nov , Via – Yamuna Expressway – NH2-Patna-Hajipur-Jandaha-Samastipur. ( Hajipur Darbhanga is only 2 hours by this route).
Now planning to go back tomorrow early morning. Should I chose East -west corridor – Lucknow-Kanpur-Agra route? ( I had a bitter experience on this route 2 years ago, as the road was under construction and was going to crowded places). Had anyone traveled on this road recently? Or, i should take Patna-Mohania-NH2 route..?? Please advise.. but a bit quickly please.. as i am going to start @ 5:00 AM. :)
Awaiting yours
Regards
Kundan Jha
I think this is late for you, since I am guessing that you would have started. Recently, I was at Lucknow and inquired (to various folks) about Lucknow-GKP connection and everyone was very appreciative about it. As you would already know that DBG-Muzzarfur connection is done including the Bypass, so I would suggest that you take EW.
Whichever route you take, please do update us on what you find. For your ‘To’ journey, when did you start and how much time did it take ?
Hi Nandan
Its really too late … I started. @ 6am and have done only. 180 kms and still stuck at Arrah, you know the railway crossing Jam here.
Mohania is still 120 Kms, and I don’t know how long it takes more.
BTW, I am planning to to stay @ Allahabad in night. Can you suggest any good hotel close to NH2?
Thanks and Regards
Kundan
Dear kundan G,
Don’t IN in allahabad city. This will cost you another 100 km and few more hours next day. Better try to cross Bypass and then stay somewhere. I had seen many hotels before Bypass while travelling Delhi to Patna. Not sure about quality of these hotels but my guess 1 night stay is okay there.
Happy Journey and awaiting Chath puja Prasad :-)
Thanks Anant Ji. Have brought some prasad for you.. :)
Phew…. ! I started from Darbhanga @ 6:00AM, and reach Patna @ 8:45, via samastipur-Jandaha-Hajipur. But the worst was waiting for us.. We took a wrong road to Danapur, which took us direct to Bihta.. with mighty speed breakers and path holes.. The Honda City was banged by the stones and breakers. .. We reached Arrah @ 11:00 and again.. there was a massive Jam at the railway crossing.. we had to enjoy that till 1:30PM..
The kids on board were starving , and i had to take a lunch break there.. Highway Restaurant in Arrah.. the food was good.
We started @ 2:15 from Arrah, and noticed a sign board indicating Mohania 122 Kms. however, the road was good after Arrah and we managed to reach Mohania @ 60KMPH , reached @ 4:30.
Refuelled the car, took a quick bite @ NH2, and headed towards Varanasi. It was about 5:30 and I decided not to drive, as I was really tired and my eyes were burning.
Again, took a wrong turn to Mugalsarai, and got stuck in bumpy roads, and crowded markets. Varanasi was still 20 kms away. Reached Varanasi @7:30, and Stayed in a hotel near Cantt. i covered 320 kms only, in 12 Hours.
Started from Varanasi @ 5:00, and reached at NH2 within 15 Minutes. The car was cruising at 100 Kmph , and crossed Allahabad Bypass @ 7:45AM. the road between Varanasi and Handia is is in very bad shape and I would suggest to drive in left lane to avoid skidding. The heavy trucks have made their tracks as pits, and you can drive on them, if you are driving a sedan.
Stopped for a tea break somewhere near Fatehpur, and for a Brunch at Shukla Restaurant – Before Kanpur. Crossed Kanpur @ 11:30.. refuelled, and started again..
reached Ferozabad @ 3:00 PM, and my wife wanted to buy the famous bangles.. … it took one hour there, and i headed towards Delhi again.. reached expressway within 20-25 minutes.. It was a super smooth drive @ 120Kmph and reached home @8:00 PM… A bit tired.. but enjoyed the Journey.. :)
Cheers !
Dear Nandan Ji
For my TO journey, It was really good.
I started @4:15 from My home in Laxmi Nagar, and hopped on the swanky Yamuna Expressway within 20 Minutes. This road is really great, and the car was cruising @ 130-140 Kmph.
We reached Ferozabad @ 6:30. 220 Kms covered in 2 Hours 15 Minutes only.. It was unbelievable .. ! The kids onboard were not a mood to have breakfast, so I decided to continue driving.
I crossed Kanpur @ 9:30-9:45. Means some 470 Kms was done in 5 Hours only ! Decided to have breakfast, and It was the same Shukla restaurant.. We had a good rest there for 1 hour, and started again @ 11:30.
I crossed Allahabad bypass at 1:30 . The road between Handia to Varanasi Bypass is in very bad shape with pathholes and rumbles created by trucks. Also, the NH2 passes through villages and suburbs. You will find many three wheelers and vehicles coming from wrong side at full speed. Be careful..
It took another 1 and half hour to cover that 80 Km stretch, and that was a real waste of time. We crossed Varanasi bypass @ 3:30, stopped at a roadside tea shop next to the toll plaza, and started again. Reached Mohania @ 4:30, and decided to drive till Patna.
Refuelled the car @ Mohania, reached Arrah @ 7:30, as this is a single road, and you find many trucks coming with lights on high beam. Also, the local villagers are almost out on the road in the evening.
Had dinner at Arrah and started to Patna… Now the bad roads started.. long que of Trucks ( you know the sand carriers of Koilwar) . Crossed Koilwar @9:00 PM.. Thanks to the cop who let us pass the bridge first, stopping all the trucks in que. There were more than 100 trucks in the que to cross the bridge.
The public does everything on roads. Our bad luck.. it was Laxmi Idol immersion day, andn we found many groups dancing on roads and messing the traffic.
Got stuck for sometime in Bihta and reached Patna @ 9:30. decided not to drive and stayed there in Patna.
Had a good sleep, and started @ 7:00 AM from Patna. Took the Hajipur-Jandaha-Samastipur-Darbhanga route and and reached Darbhanga @ 10:00 Am. The road is good, and the distance is almost 50 Kms lesser than the traditional Patna -Hajipur-Muzaffarpur-darbhanga Route.
So it was total 15 Driving hours, excluding the breaks taken in route. Driving was a fun on Yamuna expressway, and Travelling with family is a great fun. ..
Happy Driving.. ! :)
Dear nandan & Kundan ji,
Thanks for your posts….
I want to go to Samastipur From Lucknow. I keep travelling from Lucknow to Delhi via Yamuna Expressway…
Could you pls guide me from Lucknow to Samastipur with less of traffic. I will be travelling around Mid jan 2013 with Patrents and Younger brother in My Santro. Which route will be best as per the timing.
Just from your reviews Is ARAH is avoidable?
Pls reply
Many Thanks
Dear Harry – From Lucknow, it would be good to take East-West Corridor. Lucknow – Gorakhpur – GopalGanj – Samastipur.
You do not need to come to Patna/Arah.
Best Wishes,
Nandan
Hi guys,
I am planning a trip from Dlehi to Allahabad during Kumbh time.
Please suggest me on this and the best route.
Also let me know whether to travel in night is safe?
@ Bhanu – Delhi – Agra (via Yamuna Expressway) and then Etawah-Kanpur-Allahabad (NH2). I do not advice night traveling. If you can leave by 4 AM, then you should be in Allahabad, comfortably by 3 PM. You would still have few hours to experience Kumbh. Good luck.
Thanks Nandanjee and Anandjee for nice guidance through this blog.
It helped me lot while making the trip from delhi to Tata(In nov 2012 ) with my family.I covered the distance in 21 hours. It was just an awesome experience.
Your word has given me lot of courage to travel by road.
I am planning to travel from delhi to Saharsa in June for small vacation with my family by car(i20).
Can u suggest me the best route?
I would like to move without any night halt. I love driving non-stop.
My prefered route is DELHI–>BARHI(BECAUSE MAXIMUM COVERAGE ON NH2)—>
BARH–>BEGUSARAI–>KHAGARIA–>SAHARSA
Is this route is ok..
Thanks
@ Sanjeev – Thank you for your good words.
I have never been to Sahara so I am sorry, I wont be able to provide any good input here. I am not sure on EW corridor but if you have considered that, then Muzaafarpur-Darbhanga-Saharsa should be an interesting option as well. I have driven from Muzzarfarpur – Kosi River bridge (I guess, from there it is a just a short ride away via Supaul) in Sep, 2012 and the whole stretch is exceptional. With very little traffic and a great tar.
Muzzarfarpur can now be bypassed if you are coming from Gopal Ganj side. Try looking Delhi-Agra-Kanpur (NH2) – Lucknow and then EW expressway via Barabanki-Gorakhpur-Gopal Ganj-Darbhanga….
Ir-resective of the route, it would be a very long drive. So please think again about your plans of not halting for the night. Wishes.
Hi Nandan Ji,
How are you?? Once again, I am here… (As this is the best place to get expert advises) ..
Now, this time (sometime in End of May) I am planning again to go to Darbhanga by road. But, I hate the road and traffic between Mohania – Patna ( 6-8 Hours is a real waste of time).
Now, Please suggest
1. Is there another route like NH24 or NH 28?
2. If I take Kanpur via NH2 , – Lucknow via Unnao, and Gorakhpur via Faizabad?
3. If I choose Varanasi – Balia- Chhapra- Muzaffarpur- Darbhanga?
4. If I choose Allahabad-Sultanpur-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur- Darbhanga?
Or, Should I go via NH2 as usual?
Regards
Kundan
I am also planning on travelling from delhi to patna on 23rd or 24th of May.
Please update any details regarding the route information.
Thanks
@ Kundan – You have more updated info about the route since you went recently. Based on limited information which I know, I would suggest NH2 for Dli-DBG and DBG-Muzzaffarupur-GKP-LKO-Kanpur-NH2 for the return journey. I am suggesting the other route on the way back because if you want to break, then you can do it at GKP/Ayodhya/LKO etc. All the best.
hi Nandan ji, i am planning to travel from gurgaon to darbhanga by the end of may. i will be riding bajaj avenger 220. i have tried researching the routes through google map and all, but it is quite confusing. plz help me with the most suitable route. and also some hotel on the way where night could be spent. thanx.
Hi – Your views seem to be a handy guide for travelers :)
Is there someone who can give a review of roads from Lucknow to Azamgarh? Which route could be best like from Tanda or from Akbarpur?
Thanx
Sachidanand
@Suman – Please take Gurgaon-Sohna-Palwal to get on to NH2 and then continue towards Mathura-Agra-Etawah-Kanpur-Allahabad-Mohania. At Mohania, leave NH2 and go towards Ara-Patna. I do not have any recommendation for a hotel. If you are looking for a place to pass the night then keep looking for places after Allahabad-Bypass. If you have more time, then I would suggest that you go to Varanasi, attend Evening Arti and then leave next morning to Darbhanga. Drive safe and warm wishes.
@ Sachidanand – I do not know. Faizabad is on EW corridor and few years back when I passed through it was in very good condition. Lucknow-Sultanpur is also a decent connection. Please try searching for a better log at Ghumakkar and you might get more informed responses. Wishes.
I m planning to travel purnia bihar via ballia.I have some work in Ballia for 2-3 hours.
We(2) are not professional driver so planned this way to travel .
18.05.2013 5.am (as early as possible)start from Dwarka (Delhi) to Kanpur and stay there.
19.05.2013 5.am (as early as possible)start from Kanpur to reach Ballia .(Can stay in balia).
And then Ballial to Purnia.
Kindly suggest me best route to travel :
I have devided whole journey in 3 parts.
1 delhi to kanpur –>
A.Delhi-Gr. Noida-Yamuna expressway-Agra-Etawah-Kanpur
B.Delhi-Gr. Noida-Yamuna expressway-(exit yamuna expressway from JHEWAR)-Alligarh-Etah-Kanauj-Kanpur
2 Kanpur to Ballia –>
C.Kanpur-Fatehpur-Allahabad-Benaras-Gazipur-Ballia
D.Kanpur–Allahabad-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Mau-Ballia
3 Ballia to Purnia
E.Ballia-Buxer-Bihia-Ara-Patna-Musahri-Derbhanga-4 Lane-Purnia
F.Ballia-Brahmpur(Ara-Buxer Road)-arra-patna-hajipur-Purnia
G.Ballia-Madhubani-Chhapra-Musahri-Derbhanga-4 Lane -Purnia
H.Ballia-Madhubani-Chhapra-Musahri-Derbhanga-4 Lane -Purnia
Plz suggest
Dear dhanjit,
below route will be best according to my exp
A >C>G
@Anant jha
Thanks a lot.
I will follow this.
Anything else if you can suggest for this trip.
Regards,
Dhanjit Giri
Hi Nandan,
i have just completed my jouyrney from delhi to aurangabad via kanpur-allahabad on 1 st JUNE 2013. The highway is just perfect for a long drive.
Hi nandan,
I am planning to visit my native place,SAHARSA, on 21st June2013 with wife and 2 little kids.
As u have suggested, I will take route DELHI–>LUCKNOW(NIGHT HALT)–>GORAKHPUR–>MUSHARI–>SUPAUL–>SAHARSA.
I am planning to leave delhi around 12 O clock in aftenoon so that we will reach Lucknow around 8 O clock in night. We will stay there and move our journey next morning.
Let us see…
Thanks for your advice. I will follow.
Thanks
Sanjeev
Dear Nandan,
I need to travel from Delhi to Gangtok next week. I have driven several times from Delhi to Lucknow but never been beyond it on road. Now I have three questions:
a. The best route to reach from Lucknow to Siliguri
b. Is it safe to travel since I’ll travel with family
c. I have ample time say 3-4 days to cover the stretch. So could you suggest some night halts…places where I can find decent place to stay the night. Cost, unless prohibitive, is not an issue.
Thanks a ton,
Anurag
Dear Anurag,
a. Lucknow – Gorakhpur – Muzaffarpur – Darbhanga – Farbisganj – Siliguri. This is the East-West corridor. In Sep 2012, I have experience of being on from Muzaffarpur – Philparas (the point where Kosi bridge is) and the highway is indeed brilliant. Watch out for people coming on wrong side, village folks crossing road and all that regular regime thing. I am told that one can do Darbhanga- Siliguri in less than 8 hours. If you are staring from Lucknow then you can possibly break at Muzaffarpur (dont know why Google maps says Musahari) or around. I would suggest that you start as early as possible from Lucknow and then continue till daylight breaks.
b. Yes, it is safe. Avoid driving in dark. It is pure country side. North Bihar is mostly rural and harmless.
c. Gorakhpur, Forbesganj.
I will be starting back for Delhi tomorrow early morning 4 AM from Darbhanga. After the last horrible experience of Patna – Mohania Jams, I have decided to go by NH57 via Gorakhpur- Lucknow- Delhi.
Which is the best route? Lucknow- Etah- Aligarh- delhi or , Lucknow Kanpur- Delhi??
Anyone travelled on this route recently ???? Please guide…..
But please comment fast, as I have only a few hours left….. Please ….
@Kundan – Etah-Aligarh is pretty bad. Lucknow-Kanpur-Delhi is definitely the best tar (now with Yamuna Expressway for the last lap, it is actually now unbeatable). If you have time and are looking for trying an alternate route then you can do Lucknow-Sitapur-Bareilly-Rampur-Delhi (all on NH24). Sitapur-Bareily section is bad, rest of it is pretty good. All the best and I look forward to updates on NH57.
Thanks Nandan.
Normally, how Long it takes from Lucknow- Delhi?
Lucknow-Delhi on NH24 would take 8.5-10.5 odd hours.
Lucknow – Sitapur : 90 KM – 1.5 hours
Sitapur – Bareily – Rampur : 225 KM odd – 4 – 6 hours
Rampur – Delhi Border/Ghazipur : 180 KM – 3 hours
Lucknow-Delhi on NH1 would take
Lucknow – Kanpur (2 hours) + Kanpur – Noida (7 hours or less)
Do not come via Aligarh (NH 91), not worth it.
Hello
I am planning to travel from gurgaon to purnia this month.
Planned routes:
1. Day 1 :
option1 : @4.00 am : Gurgaon – Faridabad – Agra – Kanpur- Lucknow-Gorakhpur (NH2 and East – West Expy)
option2: @ 4.00 am: Gurgaon – Faridabad – Agra – Kanpur- Allahabad
2. Day 2:
option 1: @5:00 am: Gorakhpur-Gopalganj-Muzaffarpur-Darbhanga-Forbesgank-Purnia (East – West Expressway)
I heard or have seen somewhere in travelogue that from Bihar/Up Border to Gopalganj (40 KMS) is really in bad shape. Can anyone help me what is the condition of this road now?
option 2: #5:00 am : Allahabad – VAranasi-Dobi-Patna-Begusarai – Purnia( NH2 and NH 31)
is this doable ? or have to take Arrah route? But as per discussion its seems Arrah route has too much traffic. Please advice.
Or if there is some alternate route, please advice me.
Thanks
With Regards
DEEP
hey deep may i know ur traveling dates?
Hi lalit
Its not fixed yet. Most probably last week of oct.
Regards
Deep
Bihar/Up Boarder to Gopalganj Road Condition is very Bad And you cant Drive at night or incase of rain so try to to avoid that way
i did go there last month.
i am also planning but i will choose another option agra, kanpur, allahabad,varansi, patna.
@ Deep – Here is my suggestion
Day 1 – Delhi – Varanasi (I did it in Aug this year via Yamuna Expressway and it is a comfortable drive. You wont take Yamuna Expressway since it would mean close to driving 80 KMs extra but even via the old highway it is doable)
Day 2 – I have had the same news of Gopalganj. Muzaffapur onwards EW Expressway is brilliant but I am not sure about GKP-Muzaffapur link. I would suggest, take the more common Patna route (via Arrah, dont know about dobi).
If you are planning to drive back as well, then take EW (since you would be starting from home and can do a very early start) and break at Lucknow. Wishes.
Thanks Nandan, for your suggestion.
Is it possible to cover reach Varanasi in one day if i start @4.00 am from Gurgaon. I have i-10, is it possible with this car. I will also with my wife and 7 years kid.
Regards
Deep
Yes Deep. Just make sure that you begin by 4 and not take more than 3 breaks (2 is better). You may reach in time for the evening arti at Ganges. If you do, then do not miss it even though you may be dead-tired. Also, within Varanasi, rely on local transport (Auto) since parking is a big issue there. all the best.
Thanks Nandan for your reply.
Dear Deep,
It’s better that you start a bit early, if you are starting from Gurgaon. Like – 3:00 AM or so. You will be able to reach Yamuna expressway within 45-50 Minutes, and will cross this stretch within 2 hours or less. Please dont take breaks until you really need it ( I also travel with my 7 year and 3 year old kids).
In the morning, you will be able to reach Kanpur by 9:30 or so. Just pass Kapnur, and go about 30 kms. You will find Shukla Hotel, if you want good food. Take an hour’s break and head towards Mohania. It will take you 4 more hours to Mohania, with one or two short breaks. That means about 3:30 PM.
Mohania- Patna is really very pathetic now a days, you may reach within 3 hours, or it may take you 7-8 hours if there is some Laxmi or Kali puja immersions going on the roads( That can be scary as well, as in my last chhath trip, a loafer hit my bonnet with stick).
If you reach Patna by 6:30- 7:30, you can take halt there and start in the morning again. and, If you want to Drive more, take Hajipur Route, and go to Muzaffarpur.. the roads are 4laned almost allover.
But, at the bypass, keep watching for NH57 Sign, and dont take a turn towards zero mile, the road is very bad..
You may cover Muzaffarpur – Purnia in 3 or 4 hours.
Option-2.
Last time, I came via gopalganj- Gorakhpur and except a few patholes in Gopalganj, the roads were superb, and free of traffic.. The swanky gorakhpur bypass is operational, and fantastic.
Take a turn under Kanpur flyover and head towards Unnao-Lucknow. (1:30 Hours).
Lucknow-Gorakhpur – 3 Hours
Gorakhpur – Gopalganj – 2 Hours
Gopalganj Muzaffarpur – 2 Hours.
Means- You will reach Muzaffarpur in 12 hours or 13 hours maximum.. and you can try driving till Purnia too…
Happy Motoring…
Kundan
Thanks Kundan Ji.
Option 1: Gurgaon – Patna: Its nearly 1100 Km. I am not sure I will be able to cover such distance in one day. As i do not prefer driving after 7.00 PM. If i start at 3:00 am from Gurgaon and according to you if i reach at Mohania by 3.30 or 4.00 PM then I can proceed to patna else I would prefer to stay in varanasi 80 Km before Mohania.
Next Day I have to cover from Varanasi to Purnia 600 KM.
Option 2: If I opt option 2 then I would like to night halt at Kushinagar or Gorakhpur, that will be 800- 900 KM.
On day 2 need to cover 500 – 550 Km.
Still in dilemma which route should I opt.
Regards
Deep
Hi Deep,
I’m amazingly cheerful and suggest we travel together, if it makes spence to you and you feel happy with the saying “ek se do bale”. Please read my comments below for more info and let’s interact if it interests you.
In short, we are three including my kid travelling on 30th oct on the same route upto Hazipur. Initially my plan was to start from delhi @1700 hours but Kundan ji has reasoned it to be changed and now I’ll too start early morning @0300 hours.
So let’s zero down if u wanna enjoy the ride together. I’ll be riding my Santro.
Ratnesh
Reply
Typo: Hajipur (my exact place is midway Hajipur and Muzaffarpur highway).
@Kundan Ji,
No hijack intended, so please continue your reply while we await Deep’s response on the idea of joining our journey.
Cheers :)
Ratnesh
Hi All/Nandan ji,
I’ve been spending minutes of my weeks on ghummakar following posts and reading incredible reviews. It always boosted my spirits.
I’m commenting here after a lot has happened, ghummakar wise, being short and crisp, (1) three friends and office colleagues on their first long drive Delhi-Varanasi-Delhi, excellent experience of night breezing on Nh2 (left office @9), 13th June 13, reached varanasi @11 am. Return journey toughened us all as 72 hours of no-sleep-haul of our dearest caused him heart attack on Allahabad bypass near Handia. All is well now though. :) (2) 2nd journey: Delhi-Simla-Tara Devi-Delhi :- Excellent ride experience for the lone driver, let me face it, with less than couple of thousands of driving exp then. Yes, I did it and am alive commenting it here. there are so much of it so it may take a couple of logs to narrate the journeys. I may write about that later.
For the relevance : @Nandan ji and rest of all
Now that I carry around 10k km of driving experience in delhi/NCR and the above two stretches, I planned another drive, the longest yet. And request for guidelines/suggestion/quick tips on security and other aspects please.
Delhi-YEW-kanpur-varanasi-Mohania-array-patna-Hajipur | Santro CNG (enroute filling @Mayur Vihar, Agra &Kanpur) rest on octane 93 gasoline | DOJ: 30 Oct | targeted timings : @5pm engine starts, @6am Mohania, @Noon Hajipur | Me, my lady and kid 2 yr | Have been doing night shifts so being up whole night is fine, truly | Return journey will commence around about 12 Nov | Lone driver |
Things I want to care about on this onward journey:
– security at night ? Remember I travelled this June to &fro varanasi, in night but this time it’s family.
– lone drive?
– timings? Is it tight?
– Any festive season’s side effect? Diwali wasooli while going and chhat rush while returning?
– feel free to suggest and help any way please.
My plan is to leave Mohania for Patna during wee hours as to avoid any traffic.
@Kunadan Ji,
Adding to my comment above.
U seem to have received experience of ur time on Mohania-Patna route. Is Mohania-Ballia-Chapra-Hajipur an alternative for me? Any other inputs in my series of Qs above and this one please.
Aur haan….I like that.. “Happy Motoring” tag. Seems part of ur sign :)
Dear Ratnesh Ji,
In my views, please dont start in evening.. Driving speed becomes slow by 30% in night drives.. and this NH2 route is not worth driving in nights, amidst reckless truckers and tractors.. Also, you wont be able to find even a bottle of water on this route in nights.. specially when you are driving with a Kid..
Better you start at 3:00 AM from Delhi, and reach Hajipur by 7:30 or 8:00 PM Max… night drive is not advisible.. I have drove about 4-5 times on this route.. and I feel driving in day is much better.
there is a road from Varanasi-Balia-Chhapra-Hajipur.. Better not take it.. being a single road at most places.. NH28 is still a better choice after Kanpur…
Regards,
Kundan
Thanks Kundan Ji,
Taking the two valuable points in account, “30% slowness during night” and “3:00AM – 8:00 PM(17 hours) of total journey”, I’m now shifting my gears to adapt to day-travel. Great help indeed.
The only concern is that I’ll be bound to pass Mohania-Patna stretch in the evenning time then. So how do we see traffic during on this route?
Ratnesh
Hi Deep,
I’m amazingly cheerful and suggest we travel together, if it makes spence to you and you feel happy with the saying “ek se do bale”. Please read my comments below for more info and let’s interact if it interests you.
In short, we are three including my kid travelling on 30th oct on the same route upto Hazipur. Initially my plan was to start from delhi @1700 hours but Kundan ji has reasoned it to be changed and now I’ll too start early morning @0300 hours.
So let’s zero down if u wanna enjoy the ride together. I’ll be riding my Santro.
Ratnesh
Dear Ratnesh,
Yes, your suggestion to travel together is really good, but still i haven’t finalizaed my schedule. If it happens on 30th i will definitely let you know.
If we start on different dates, still we can share our experience. :)
Its really good that you responded the Kundan Ji’s advice to start early and avoid night driving.
Are you going through Patna or taking east-west corridor from Lucknow?
Regards
Deep
Great Deep,
Sounds fantastic. I’m really flexible with my dates and can settle on any among 30/31st Oct or 1st/2nd Nov. I’ll be taking YEW-Agra-Kanpur-Mohania-Ara-Patna-Hajipur.
Don’t hesitate to be in touch at kumars_ratnesh@hotmail.com once you are ready to join me. We can negotiate and fix our travel day. I’m sure we can mutually benifit a lot like boosting confidence, security and at least add some more fun to the day. I’m too ready to start at 3:00 AM. I can accompany you uptil Hajipur from where you can choose (1) to halt (I can facilitate some good options) or (2) you can continue to conquer.
Do let me know as you decide.
Ratnesh
Hi Ratnesh
Sorry for late reply. I was also very excited to travel with you, really “ek se bhale do” as u said earlier.
I am sorry that I have to drop my plan due to some urgent work in office, i will not get leave.
Some other time we will travel together, as my native place is patna and in laws are in Purnia. So we must get chance to travel together. However I will really wait for your trip experience.
All the best mate :)
Regards
Deep
Hi Deep,
just opposite to yours my native place is Purnia and in laws are in patna.
If you are planing for travel in future, I will try to go together
dhanjit@gmail.com
Thanks
Dhanjit giri
Ratnesh,
I have also plan to go to Patna from Delhi via YEW-Agra-Kanpur-Mohania-Ara-Patna-Hajipur on 2nd Oct by 2:00 AM. This is first time to go via road but don’t have much idea about road. I am looking some maps but still bit of confused if I miss root after Agra. Please suggest me.
Sanjeev
Hi Sanjeev,
As you must have gone through my comments already, I traveled uptill Varanasi and the road is very straight, in fact till Mohania. No chance of missing it after Agra or from any point. Google maps is perfect answer, you may carry some print out along.
My route & timing is very same. I may travel on either 1st or 2nd Nov, so if you wish to join, please contact me.
Ratnesh
kumars_ratnesh@hotmail.com
After long planning I could not started early.
Considered @anant jha’ s suggestion A >C>G almost followed same route but changed after benaras
A.Delhi-Gr. Noida-Yamuna expressway-Agra-Etawah-Kanpur
C.Kanpur-Fatehpur-Allahabad-Benaras-Gazipur-Ballia
1 Mayur vihar phase 1 to Purnia on 19 may covered in 3 day but its possible in 2 days
A.Delhi-Gr. Noida-Yamuna expressway-Agra-Etawah-Kanpur
started late from mayur vihar 920 am
crossed aagra toll @1240 km was 320
Reached etwa 1330
Reached kanpur sharp 1600 @HAL building
total toll tax Rs 560 approx travel time 7 hours including 2 short break of total 25-30 mints
I stayed in Kanpur
Next day .Kanpur-Fatehpur-Allahabad-Benaras
Started kanpur HAL guest houce ramadevi chok at 545
Taken fuel at malwa petrol pump (No credit card)
No boddy was their for air , We tried and vacated 5 psi
Taken tea biscuit at sai hotel and air
Started 715 again
And banaras-> chandauli->mohania-> ramgarh->chausa->buxer->phephna (10 km before ballia)->
but one can continue
banaras-> chandauli->mohania->dinara-jagdishpur-arrah-
we had some work in phephna
2 hours stay and started from phephna 6 pm and reached patna 11 pm very tough stretch, faced 1 hour jam in koilwar bridge
3rd day There are 2 better rote
rute 1
patna->barh->mokama->begusarai->khagaria->naugachia->purnia is shortest rute 310 km approx
rute 2 patna->hajipure->mujaffarpure->derbhanga->simrahibazar->pipra->tribeniganj->puraini bazaar ->raniganj->sarsi ->purnia 370 km
we have taken this rute
Gandhi setu was unforgettable slow traffic as bridge repaire work was going 2”30 hours to reach hajipure
taken 30 mints rest after crossing hajipure1 hour rest before darbhanga total 8 hours journey including rest of 2 hours
display board is everywhere
if you search in google pratapganj will shown and simrahi bajar is just before that
take right turn to national road way no 106 ig
Plz don’t take barh->mokama->lakhisarai-> jamalpure->bhagalpure
and don’t go beyond simarahibazar to wards forbisganj. There mey be huge jam
feel free to contact dhanjit@gmail.com
Hi Dhanjit
Sure, I will definetly inform you and Ratnesh whenever i will travel to bihar by car. It will be nice being together.
Regards
Deep
I would be driving from Delhi to Patna shortly. I would lke to know the present condition of Mohania – Arrah – Patna road and roughly how much time it may take? Is going via Gaya a better though longer option?
Hi Brij,
Mohania-Arrah-Patna , road condition till Arrah Suburbs are okay (not too good). Then it comes the horrible pathholes and scary heavy vehicles coming with high beam and high speed..
Avoid driving in late night, as the roads after Koilwar are not in good condition. Bihta, Maner and other small places have some 3 feet deep pits.. and driving a sedan is like going into battlefield.
If you start @ 2:30-3:00 AM, you can reach Mohania by 2:30 PM, and Patna by 7:00 PM. But all depends on the traffic in Arrah.
Cheers!
Hi Kundan
Thank you for the quick response. This is most useful.
Cheers
Brij
Hi – Brilliant work Nandan. I am planning to leave Patna by 5pm. I don’t mind driving at night. A few questions
a) Is the Patna – Arrah – Mohania safe after dark ?
b) I don’t think GT road should be a trouble at night. ? yes or no. Will take care of the fellows in the wrong direction.
c) do i need to enter Allahabad ? Is there a land mark or a sign post to watch out for, I don’t want to waste any valuable time as I am almost on a deadline to reach.
d) If at all I need a break – is it okay to use one of those khatiyaz at the line hotels ?
e) would u in anyway advise against night driving. I am comfortable and have done 3000kms. Patna – Pune before.
f) anything important to look out for other than those wrong side fellas.
thanks a ton. I am leaving tomorrow evening. Mum has already made a gloomy face.
waiting for a reply.
thanks a lot,
snehil.
@ Snehil – I do not advise night driving so see if that is an option for you. Here is my take on your questions
a) Yes, it should be safe-enough. You would have sun-light for about 2 hours and by the time it is night-night, you would be out on NH2 at Mohania so I wont be worried much here.
b) No trouble.
c) No, you do not need to. It is pretty evident. There are large boards showing the way to Delhi, you wont miss it.
d) Choose the one where you see women/family of the line-hotel guy and are next to Tolls. There are tens of Tolls point and most of the toll points have this small tea kiosk and may be a small office and all that. It is safer.
e) Yes, I would advise against night driving. Road-safety (not in terms of security but road/traffic kinds) norms are very poor (missing sign ages, un suspecting big speed-breakers, diversions, drunken driving etc) in this part of India so it is not worth it if you can start by 4AM early.
f) Keep the car locked, don’t have tempting (phones, cash) stuff on dashboard for all to see, stay away from road-rage, keep water and munchies, attend to sleeping-signs from body and have fun.
Wishes.
@Nandan: Thanks a ton Nandan. I took your advise and did not travel night but as luck would have it, I ended up doing a lot of it. Left Patna at 7am. This is where it all went wrong. No issues with the road or stuff but I was limited to 65-70 even when I could have easily done 100. ( Its a brand new car, was advised not to speed up too soon). Reached Kanpur by 5 30. I had to take a call, stay back or cont… I continued. Traffic, Jams, Diversions and top it up with Fog. It took me around 7 – 8 hrs to reach the Yamuna express way from kanpur. It should not have taken more than 5. The fog was Preety dense and I trailing a VIP light wala Car. Hit the express way around 12 30. Home by 3. It was smooth then, but I get the pic why did u advise night driving. The traffic and roads are very unpredictable. Anyways, All well that ends well. Thanks for the advise and keep up the good work.
Bye,
Snehil
Dear Nandan, Your inputs would indeed be of great value to any first time road traveller on Delhi – Kanpur – Allahabad – Varanasi – Arah – Patna route. I am to take this route in a few days from now. Is there any alternate route between Mohania and Patna that would , even if longer, be better for road travel. Will be grateful for an early input. Sanjay
Hello Sanjay -Thanks. I am not aware of any alternate route. Via Gaya would get just too long (another 100 KMs) and I do not know how good is Gaya-Patna. Good luck and please update here on what you find.
It was my second ride to my birth-place in last 4 months. Traveled to-and-fro delhi-Vaishali in Nov 13 & Mar 14.
Traveled twice on 4 different routes and I fought to keep hope in reaching my destination each time and now fighting to think if I ever ride back home, at least in near future. I resist by can’t stop myself saying that I belong to a pathetically & poorly developed region with a very bad road-infrastructure.
Roads and Routes:
NH2, the so known G T Road, has lost its charm only to regain it in a year or two. Almost countless diversions added up with bridge construction, due to 4 to 6 lanes conversion, ate up time, fuel & power by 30% or more; story remains same on all the four routes I took as the part Delhi-Varanasi is common in all.
In Nov 13:
Delhi to Vaishali (Muzaffarpur): YEW> Firozabad> Etawah> Kanpur> Allahabad By-pass> Varanasi> Mohania> Arah> Patna> Vaishali;
NH2 (Varanasi to Mohania) – time taken: 4PM to 6 PM | Great deal of people on the road during this period of the day. Road condition: poorer than rest of NH2 stretch.
Mohania> Arah> Patna: NH 30 – 6 PM to 10:30PM | 4 hours and 30 minutes | Road condition is pathetic throughout. My car cried and so did everyone inside it. Some 2-3 feet sudden potholes. All the four wheels went in air at times. Scares and scars still remain in mind.
Special Note: Crossing Gandhi Setu is nightmare ( spent 9 hours crossing this bridge, very unruly). My suggestion> Avoidable in all conditions until we hear otherwise; Patients dying on it because ambulances can’t cross, Grooms miss own marriage. And so on…O god….You made a simple mistake in name, made me belong to this place called Bihar instead of Birmingham…Just kidding…but seriously I never felt this bad.
Vaishali To Maithon(Asansol) To Delhi>
Part1: Vaishali > Patna > Fatuha > Bakhtiyarpur> Bihar Sharif> Barhi> Maithon
Vaishli to Patna: NH 77 – road condition is good, newly built four lanes | NH30 & NH31- Patna to Barhi – Road condition is poor again 8 hours is so long for couple of hundreds | Hit NH2 on Barhi to reach Maithon – road condition is excellent & least populated. If I miss to say Allahabad ByPass, this is the best stretch of G T Road (have never gone after Asansol).
Part2: Maithon> Barhi> Aurangabad> Mohania> Varanasi> Kanpur> Agra> EWY> Delhi
All on G T Road | I feel so happy to say again that Maithon to Aurangabad is best part of NH2. | Aurangabad to Mohania – just good | Mohania to Varanasi – Okay;
Routes taken in March14
Delhi to Vashali: NH2 upto Varanasi> Saidpur> Ghazipur> Buxa> Ballia> Chapra> Vaishali;
Started at 4 AM from Varanasi to reach Vaishali at 4 PM | Total Distance – 219 km & total time – 12 hours | NH 29 & NH19 | Road condition is poor to pathetic with exception of “Ballia to Chapra, 80 KM” stretch, this part is really good though two-lane, without divider; NH gets converted to ‘A gali Road’ while passing through all the small townships en-route, of course no ByPass. e.g.: It took us 100 minutes to cross 4 kms (Chapra).
Vaishali to Delhi: Sariya> Sahebganj> Barauli> Gopalganj> Fazilnagar> Kushinagar> Gorakhpur> Luknow> Kanpur> Etawah> Agra> delhi;
Vaishali to Sahebganj to Barauli: State Highway in excellent condition, two-lane without divider. Barauli to Gopalganj to Fazilnagar: NH28 – Two odd stretches, totaling to 40 KMs which is just before and after Gopalganj are Pathetic and that’s all. NH 28, thereafter, from Fazilnagar to Kushinagar to Gorakhpur to Lucknow gets excellent mark for road conditions among all the routes. Lucknow to Kanpur – Good | If I forget that 40 KMs stretch, mentioned above, It’s the best route so far en-route Delhi-Muzaffarpur/Vashali or to procced to Motihari or Darbangha!!
Cheers while my family and I restore energy to ride again!!
Thanks for sharing, Ratnesh ji :)