A new expressway aimed at reducing travel time between Delhi and Mumbai was in the talks for long and finally, when a part of this expressway was opened, we decided to see for ourselves and experience this in an SUV. With this highway promising faster travel, we took the Jeep Meridian for a quick drive to Jaipur and back via this new expressway.
It starts from Sohna to Dausa but first we tackled some traffic but it was not a problem for the big Meridian with its automatic gearbox and comfy cabin. This route is much faster than the old highway with also being a scenic and a fuss free drive.
The roads are of course smooth and less bumpy while the speed limit of 120km/h is easily achieved. We recommend sticking to the speed limit of course and being careful while on the lookout for animals crossing( we did not encounter any).
We drove with cruise control and it was a relaxing affair if not having quite the same number of rest stops as the old highway. Unlike the old highway, the popular eateries are less on the new one and few of the stop areas are non functional as we saw. That said, there are some options but at the moment there are very few with more coming.
Where the new highway scores is the relaxed nature of the drive with no traffic, smooth roads and of course not having cars coming from the other side. The new road requires more toll too but we would say is far more relaxing and you reach earlier with no fuss at all. The Meridian too did the Delhi-Jaipur and back with some fuel left in its tank with its diesel engine having enough punch.
The big fuel tank means less stops and we got around 12 kmpl. Where the Meridian scores is the excellent ride quality and the suspension while the new interior with suede looks premium too. Also, when tackling the expansion joints, the Meridian felt composed. That said, it continues to have less space than what its size suggests and the third row too is cramped but the excellent audio system did give us good company.
As for the highway, we found it to be more convenient, less stressful and more relaxing but the food choices are less while the toll is more. However, do note that there are some fuel pumps which are operational now and overall, you save more time and also have a relaxed drive. Do note that the proximity to Jaipur city is a bit far but more connectivity options are being worked on to make access to Jaipur faster.
