If you want to feel optimistic about India's future, drive down from Karol Bagh to Gurgaon via Ridge Road and NH8. The latter is truly worldclass. Smooth, wide, well-marked with proper exits and entry lanes, it's a pleasure to drive on. True, traffic is fast catching up to make it congested, but let's not quibble over details.
If you want re-assurance that this development is also touching small town India, check out NH1 from Pathankot to Damtal. The former is a small town in North Punjab with a population of 250K, the latter is a tiny hamlet with population in single digit thousands. NH1 between these two towns passes through hilly terrain and the awe that a wide, 6 lane road inspires over mountains is difficult to put in words.
I happened to travel on the above two stretches over this weekend and felt better with the experience.
But if you want to be reminded that in India, the more things change, the more they remain the same, you should exit NH8 and enter Gurgaon. The pothole mosaic that passes off as road is pathetic. Vehicles regularly scream in agony as they navigate the crests and troughs and often break down.
In the same vein, once you pass Damtal on NH1 towards Jalandhar, the road disappears. The potholes here are even more vicious. One vehicle had its axle broken into two on hitting one such death trap. Apparently, contracts have been issued for 4 laning of the road but the contractor is waiting for monsoons to get over. People, meanwhile, are paying the price for the 'soft launch'.
Here's hoping that NH8 transcends to the last mile and NH1 completes its majestic sweep beyond Damtal all the way to Jalandhar. That's when we can truly feel proud.
