India has a road network of over 2.9 million kilometres. National highways comprise 34,608 kms and state highways 128,622 kms. Several highways such as Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Jaipur (partially) have been upgraded and widened of late. In all, national highways have been widened to four-lane highways in the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

 

In fact, the Indian government is privatising the highway infrastructure development and the country will have motorable roads in the near future.

 

It is worth mentioning that highway travel has become extremely popular even for domestic tourists ever since the small car boom in the country the most important tourist highways such as Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra have comprehensive facilities such as motels, unleaded petrol stations, public conveniences etc., on route. You will also notice several 'dhabas' on the highways. These are food stalls serving Indian meals and cupfuls of sugary tea or chai - created for the convenience of truckers. It wouldn't be advisable to try the food there, but they all stock mineral water and cold drinks.

 

It is also worth mentioning that the tourism departments of Haryana and Rajasthan, states adjoining Delhi, have, in particular, focussed on highway tourism. You will notice several attractive resorts, even a Jack Nicklaus golf resort, on your way to Jaipur and Delhi.

 

In India, vast as the country is, roads may be your only means to reach several places, especially way-off towns and the hills. The roads are not always smooth off the main highways and it may be advisable to thoroughly examine your vehicle before embarking on a journey.

 

All state transport corporations operate extensive bus services and it is possible to reach even the remotest of places by bus. However, do remeber that not all buses are well-cushioned and some of the rides can be bumpy and uncomfortable. Take a bus only when you are sure of what it feels like. Tourist districts, of course, will have a range of buses - offering air-conditioned, well-maintained interiors. Jaipur's Pink Line and Silver Line buses are a good example. Road travel, of course, is the cheapest means of transport.

 

If you are planning a self-drive, India can be an extremely adventurous and interesting destination.

 

1. Vehicles drive on the left in India. Traffic discipline is not what you find in the west. Give yourself time to get acclimatised to the conditions and unspoken rules. Traffic speed is also comparatively low.

 

2. Have a map of the journey you wish to chart but don't always expect people on the way to be able to read the map. It may be better to just seek directions for the 'next' place you need to reach as per your map.

 

3. Fuel: Not every highway or gas station offers unleaded petrol. Either tank-up sufficiently before starting or enquire about unleaded petrol stations prior to embarking on the journey.

 

4. Safety: The regular precautions apply. Avoid driving in the night. Do not offer lift to strangers.

 

Bus services abound in every city, but remember that they can be crowded and bumpy. They can be avoided as other means of transport are easily available.

 

With the liberalisation of the economy, business travel has increased manifold in India. Most hotels and tour operators offer special facilities for corporate travellers and some even specialise in this form of travel.

 

Starting with the airports which have facilities like shower rooms, business lounges with all attendant international facilities, car rentals, mobile phone rentals, there is a whole line-up of services a available for the business traveller.

 

You may find that booking in the corporate sector in your hotel (there are special packages as well) gets you various advantages. A limousine pick-up at the airport, corporate floor where the rooms are designed around a business traveller with facilities such as writing desks, two-line phones, fax machines, computer ports, direct dial facilities to over a hundred countries, subscription to international financial newspapers and journals may be some of the services.