[pcpranav]

Update for Tues 29-Oct'24 :

By late afternoon, it was a very sudden decision to travel Vadodara by road, enjoy Diwali with relatives.
After finishing some quick local tasks and luggage packing, we started at 7.45 PM from Mira Road. Luckily we didn't get any traffic jams in the Fountain - Manor stretch, though speed was relatively less. After crossing Vapi, I was much relieved of not witnessing any hurdles. However, the road condition especially on Maharashtra side continues to be rough, undulations, uneven levelling within cement & tar sections, one need to cautious.
We stopped for a late dinner break near Surat, and a short fuel break after Bharuch, finally reaching Vadodara at 3.45 AM, almost 8 hours journey with a relaxed/comfortable drive. Roads on Gujarat side are mostly good, apart from some sudden rough patches.

PS : till now I have only used the regular NH48 highway, and didn't try the Express Highway yet, which is opened from section in Bharuch to Vadodara.

Btw, entering Vadodara such early morning was a pleasant surprise, the entire city was decorated and lightings across, due to India-Spain PM's visit a day before and upcoming Diwali.

Lets hope that during our return journey (mostly on Mon 04-Nov) we get a smooth ride.

I have been doing Mumbai - Vadodara road travel quite often, and my observation for last 1 year is average travel time of 8-9 hours (relax drive, 1-2 breaks), and only rarely spend 10-11 hours. I remember situation just 6-8 years back, with similar relaxed driving I used to cover same in 6-7 hours with better road conditions.

[Satkaj]

Diwali and Holi are the best time to drive on these highways. One will hardly find any traffic and Monday mornings from Mumbai to Ahmedabad when roads are relatively empty. Real challenge is on rest of the days. I have been regular on Mumbai- Vapi(2.5hrs) and Mumbai- Ahmedabad (6.5 to 9hrs) in past few years. But current situation is beyond anyone’s control. Hope leaving early by 4 am would allow me to reach Ahmedabad in 10/12 hrs.

[pcpranav]

Originally Posted by pcpranav

Update for Tues 29-Oct'24 :
...

Update for return journey - Mon 04-Nov'24 : Vadodara to Mumbai :

We had planned for a late start. In 9.50 AM I checked on GMap mobile, showing two routes from Vadodara to Mumbai :
1) the regular NH48 (~8 hrs),
2) via Expressway stretch between Vadodara & Bharuch and then continuing on NH48 (~10 hours!).

Seeing that big time difference I even called a local friend, he discouraged me from taking the Expressway section which would surely consume more time, mainly due to the interior approach points (very outskirts of cities) of this stretch. Maybe once the longer stretch (or entire highway) is opened, then could make sense. Since I fairly know the map/routes of both these cities, taking Expressway in current state won't be feasible for me, unless I have spare time to explore. I also heard that works are done till outskirts of Surat and soon the route would be extended.

Finally, we decided to take our regular NH48 route - started at 11.30 AM. We took few long breaks (we have our favorite eating spots to indulge) and with a relaxed drive reached Mira Road home at 8.30 PM : thats about 9 hours. This is a very nice timing.
We didn't encounter any traffic jams. Watch for some sudden rough patches / potholes on Gujarat side, and many under-construction / rough patches on Maharashtra side. Also in some sections, traffic is diverted on other side - so drive carefully with oncoming vehicles.

Another observation : across most of the flyovers, the lights are not switched-on. Few years back I recall most of those lights were working (at night), which would provide added visibility & safety. Why such decision to have poor illumination on flyovers ?

[adeshgunjan]

Originally Posted by pcpranav

Update for return journey - Mon 04-Nov'24 : Vadodara to Mumbai :

We had planned for a late start. In 9.50 AM I checked on GMap mobile, showing two routes from Vadodara to Mumbai :
1) the regular NH48 (~8 hrs),
2) via Expressway stretch between Vadodara & Bharuch and then continuing on NH48 (~10 hours!).

Finally, we decided to take our regular NH48 route - started at 11.30 AM. We took few long breaks (we have our favorite eating spots to indulge) and with a relaxed drive reached Mira Road home at 8.30 PM : thats about 9 hours. This is a very nice timing.
We didn't encounter any traffic jams.

Thanks for the update. This is just in time for me. Planning to leave from Udaipur in couple of days. Will do a stop over overnight at Vadodara and proceed to Mumbai next day. Due to horrible experience when coming i was planning to take Nashik route with a stop over there as well, but this update tempting me to return via normal route. How's the patch post Vapi? Did you encounter a more than normal truck traffic?

[pcpranav]

Originally Posted by adeshgunjan

Thanks for the update. This is just in time for me. Planning to leave from Udaipur in couple of days. Will do a stop over overnight at Vadodara and proceed to Mumbai next day. Due to horrible experience when coming i was planning to take Nashik route with a stop over there as well, but this update tempting me to return via normal route. How's the patch post Vapi? Did you encounter a more than normal truck traffic?

One of the reason why we saw usual traffic (not heavy) could be it was Diwali period and a Monday; assuming most people would have traveled on previous day Sunday and resumed their work. So do take that into account.

From Vadodara you can try to start bit early (I suggest the regular NH48) say 7-9 AM, so that you cross Manor-Fountain stretch by late afternoon and not delay.

Post Vapi, the roads on MH side are not the best, be watchful for sudden bumpy areas. On few of the diversions, I choose to drive on my own single lane, instead of going on opposite lane, just for my added safety.
Traffic was just regular. hope you have a nice travel.

[Satkaj]

Started our journey at 4.20 Am from Vile Parle. Roads up to Vapi are nightmare especially due to lack of daylight since we started early.It was extremely dangerous due to unpredictable surface change.

It’s shameful that even new concrete road is much below standard. They have messed up wonderful 3 lane tar road in to uneven, unpredictable, unplanned road.

Reached Ahmedabad by 2pm with 2 breaks.

[Optimusmaximus]

Originally Posted by adeshgunjan

Thanks for the update. This is just in time for me. Planning to leave from Udaipur in couple of days. Will do a stop over overnight at Vadodara and proceed to Mumbai next day. Due to horrible experience when coming i was planning to take Nashik route with a stop over there as well, but this update tempting me to return via normal route. How's the patch post Vapi? Did you encounter a more than normal truck traffic?

Hello! I was wondering if you were able to do the trip via the normal NH 48 route? If so, could you shed some light on how the road conditions are currently? I wish to get to Pune later this month and I am wondering should I take the Nashik route or is the NH 48 doable.

[adeshgunjan]

Originally Posted by Optimusmaximus

Hello! I was wondering if you were able to do the trip via the normal NH 48 route? If so, could you shed some light on how the road conditions are currently? I wish to get to Pune later this month and I am wondering should I take the Nashik route or is the NH 48 doable.

Yes I finally decided to do the regular NH48 route. But faced similar jams as my onward journey. From Vadodara to Vapi it took us 5 hours with a few quick stops. From Vapi to Mumbai/Chembur 7 hours. The issue starts when you are 100 kms from Mumbai, before Manor. You are literally stuck between a barrage of container trucks and have no option but to switch off your vehicle and sit there waiting for the lane to move eventually. We were kind of prepared for it as we had faced it earlier. So if you plan to do it, keep aside additional 2-3 hours, so probably leave earlier than scheduled to make up for it. Road conditions are deplorable, situation extremely shameful as there is hardly anyone manning the diversions.

[Prash1407]

I am planning for a drive from Pune to Ahmedabad. I will be starting at 7 in the evening on Friday, 15-Nov. Planning to stay after crossing Mumbai maybe somewhere near Thane. Start next day morning around 6 to reach Ahmedabad.
Based on the messages above, I am confused which route to take. I can take the Nashik route but, stay could be an issue.
Could anyone suggest on the best route based now?

[Satkaj]

@ Parsh suggest you book Hotel near Borivali or any place between Andheri and Dahisar on WE highway and leave as early as 4.30am before major trucks hit the road from Mumbai which is around 5.30am to 7.30am. Though I can’t guarantee but surely this is better bet. From Thane to Ahmedabad highway is another story so better to deal with it at night if you get clear road.

Another option is to leave late around 10am after having BF from Borivali as all the trucks would have cleared up to Vapi if there is no major jam.

I have no experience via Nashik route hence would leave on others to give their inputs.

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by Prash1407

I am planning for a drive from Pune to Ahmedabad. I will be starting at 7 in the evening on Friday, 15-Nov.

Based on the messages above, I am confused which route to take. I can take the Nashik route but, stay could be an issue.

Could anyone suggest on the best route based now?

I will suggest you plan a night halt in Nashik. 7 pm departure from Pune, means you will reach Nashik by 11pm-12am.

Next, take the NH848 till about Chavshala and head north towards Dharampur, and plan to join the NH 48 at Chikhli. At Bharuch take the new NE4 and join the NE1 to Ahmedabad. This should take you approx 10 hours.

So 5 hours Pune to Nashik and then 10 hours to Ahmedabad.

Edit - I won't recommend ghodbunder route at all, but yes, you can plan a 4-4.30 am start from borivali on day 2 as that will be relatively be better. However, roads are absolutely terrible and you might end up frustrated by the time you even cross the MH-GJ border.

[Satkaj]

@ Prash I would go with blackwasp advice. Pune to Borivali also would take 4/5 hrs depending on unpredictable road conditions as well as Borivali to Ahmedabad is all the more challenging and stressful.

This is by far safest and peaceful drive via Nashik without bothering too much about leaving early or late and still playing with your luck. We don’t deserve such pain honestly!

[sumobom4]

I am planning on a roadtrip to Rajasthan in December third week. Just wanted to check which route to take from Thane (I live there). We are not early risers and would probably be able to leave around 8-9 am from Thane. Can I still consider the usual NH48 route? Also, where should I plan for a night halt in Gujarat? When I checked Google this morning, it showed 8.5 hours to Vadodara.

[Satkaj]

Originally Posted by sumobom4

I am planning on a roadtrip to Rajasthan in December third week. Just wanted to check which route to take from Thane (I live there). We are not early risers and would probably be able to leave around 8-9 am from Thane. Can I still consider the usual NH48 route? Also, where should I plan for a night halt in Gujarat? When I checked Google this morning, it showed 8.5 hours to Vadodara.

Since you plan to leave late suggest checking Google before leaving which will give you 2 options . Another one being via Nashik. Take night halt either in Vadodara or if you have time go all the way to Ahmedabad as Express way section between Bharuch- Vadodara and Vadodara- Ahmedabad is connected seamlessly.

[krrisdrive]

Originally Posted by sumobom4

Just wanted to check which route to take from Thane (I live there).

Two days back I met a Bhandup resident who frequently travel to Khanvel (Near Vapi), and he invited me to Khanvel. When I highlighted NH48 road issue, he said that he always travel through Bhiwandi-Wada-Jawahar-Khanvel. Khanvel to Vapi is 15 min ride with good roads.

Sure it seems like a secondary road, but it may provide a hassle free ride.