Planning to drive from Hyderabad to Bhopal

[ajaygupta545]

Planning to drive from Hyderabad to Bhopal, could someone let me know about the road condition and batter map to take?

[Kshitiz]

HI Ajay,

I am also planning to drive down to Bhopal from Hyderabad (late September), and these days I have been searching very aggressively on google to get the recent driving experience. Hyderabad to Bhopal drive would be new for me so I cannot share the first hand experience, but I can summarize what I found on Trifod and some other forums. I would recommend you to keep searching for the most recent experience.

 

I have divided journey in to 2 parts: Hyderabad to Nagpur, and then Nagpur to Bhopal via Betul-Itarsi and plan to take a break (night-stay) at Nagpur. If you can drive longer its better to avoid staying in hotel; it decreases the cost of journey but at the same time it increases the risk of Driver Fatigue.

 

Hyderabad to Nagpur road condition:

Most people in this forum and other forums have shared that about 90% of the Road is wonderful (4-lane with divider), with few diversions just before Nagpur (starting about 70 Km before NGP). Toll charges would be around Rs 800/- I could not find information on good Restaurants on this stretch.

 

Nagpur to Bhopal road condition:

Till Betul, road is very good, however, after Betul it is average 2-lane road passes through small ghat; must be nice drive. As soon as you cross Narmada river at Budni problems start. Budni-Bhopal road is under construction, although few stretches are complete (well laid concrete roads) and some stretches are done only in half side.

 

So you would need to take lot diversions and may have to navigate through some of the biggest potholes, under construction kutcha roads with loose gravel, near Mandideep and Obaidullaganj.

 

Hope this helps you plan.

 

I encourage you to reply to this very topic/post, in case you get more information. It will be useful for me as well. I plan to travel to Bhopal by end of September. 

 

When are you planning to travel to Bhopal?

I request other TriFod members to add your experience.

 

Regards,

Kshitiz

 

Edited September 5, 2020 by Kshitiz

[Gowtham]

Helpful information Kshitiz.

 

On 9/4/2020 at 11:44 AM, Kshitiz said:

I request other TriFod members to add your experience.

I did Hyderabad to Nagpur numerous times. As you mention road condition is pretty good, except for last few kilometers. 

Note:

Very few food options on this stretch, don't expect any luxury hotels.
Most of the options are road side Dhabas. 
If you are traveling with family plan your bio breaks at fuel pumps, roads around Adilabad lack facilities. 

Breakfast stop:
Divya resort : Kamareddy
https://goo.gl/maps/aE46KRnxcdG2
 

Lunch stop :
Hotel Airport central : Nagpur
https://goo.gl/maps/8Bv94nMDVu72

 

Start at 3AM from Hyderabad gives you an edge, since roads are excellent till Adilabad. 
You will reach Nagpur by 10AM. Nagpur to Bhopal is going to be hectic. 
 You can avoid hotel accommodation. 

 

Take a nap and driving down to Bhopal is the best option. 
It can be tiresome for a single driver, but with proper planning, it can be done. 

[Kshitiz]

Thanks Gowtham for sharing your views, and especially the pitstop recommendations.

I have added them to my places of interest in Maps.

Regards,

Kshitiz

Edited September 5, 2020 by Kshitiz

[Harshal]

Thanks Gowtham and Kshitij!! The information shared here would certainly helps alot. I am driving first time for a longer ride. I have figo hatchback petrol. Planning the trip from Hyderabad to Bhopal coming saturday. I know corona is there so dont want to stay in hotel and Just 1-2 hour rest in car on a petrol pump seems to work, but dont know If I can reach to Bhopal  same day in late evening If I start at 3:00 am morning.

 

Your suggestion would certainly help me alot. Please opine.

[Kshitiz]

HI Harshal,

If you are starting 3:00 or 3:30 am, you should be able to reach Bhopal before 7:00 or 8:00 pm for sure. The road after Betul toll road ends will bother you, so soon after you reach Betul Toll plaza (before entering the town), take some rest to keep your alertness level high. 

Since you are driving for the first time on a long trip, here are my 2-cents, hopefully would be helpful: take short but frequent breaks, power naps for 15 minutes would be very helpful, plus keep drinking water, Tea or coffee to prevent dehydration. Yes, that's true, even if you are in AC, driving stress causes dehydration so keep sipping water or any other beverages (electrolyte drinks would be preferred).

Enjoy driving and do share your experience. I am driving to Bhopal next week-end, as well. So, hope to see you in Bhopal 🙂

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by Kshitiz

[sagar]

Great inputs @Kshitiz.. @Harshal Do not do long stretches without taking any breaks, If sleepy, do not hesitate to stop at safe sighted places like toll gates or fuel stations which are not shady.. Keep a check on the air in your tires before the trip starts and make sure to fill up ur tank when ever it’s half done.

Do share the recent road status once your trip is done. Drive safe and cheers!

[Harshal]

On 9/21/2020 at 8:40 AM, Kshitiz said:

HI Harshal,

If you are starting 3:00 or 3:30 am, you should be able to reach Bhopal before 7:00 or 8:00 pm for sure. The road after Betul toll road ends will bother you, so soon after you reach Betul Toll plaza (before entering the town), take some rest to keep your alertness level high. 

Since you are driving for the first time on a long trip, here are my 2-cents, hopefully would be helpful: take short but frequent breaks, power naps for 15 minutes would be very helpful, plus keep drinking water, Tea or coffee to prevent dehydration. Yes, that's true, even if you are in AC, driving stress causes dehydration so keep sipping water or any other beverages (electrolyte drinks would be preferred).

Enjoy driving and do share your experience. I am driving to Bhopal next week-end, as well. So, hope to see you in Bhopal 🙂

 

Hey @Kshitiz, Sorry for the late reply. These tips would certainly helps a lot. Will be cognizant about the alertness. Thanks a lot for Suggestion on dehydration. Will keep posting here. Yes would love to meet in Bhopal. Do share your no. and whereabouts.

 

[Harshal]

Hi @sagar sure will do the needful. Thanks a bunch for the much needed suggestions. Will keep posted here.

[Gowtham]

All the best for your drive.
Do update when you are done with the drive.

[Harshal]

5 hours ago, Gowtham said:

All the best for your drive.
Do update when you are done with the drive.

Thanks @Gowtham !! Sure will update here once I reach.

 

[Harshal]

@Kshitiz@sagar@Gowtham Just wanted to check if e-pass is compulsory for interstate travel ? It was mandatory in lockdown 5.0. But dont know if now its required ?

[sagar]

As of the recent update, no-passes are required to cross the borders but still you never know when you will be stopped by the cops for what reason.

Since it is anyways a click away to get an epass, I would recommend you to get it for a safer side. Also, if possible the negative test result would be more convincing..

[Kshitiz]

E-pass is not required for entering Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh. As I checked https://covid19.mhpolice.in/; it clearly says " Travel e-pass is no longer required for traveling" so not accepting any request for e-pass. However, MP e-pass website https://mapit.gov.in/covid-19/ApplyePass.aspx, is still accepting e-pass request. So I have registered myself.

Regarding the Covid19 negative certificate, it's true it will prevent possible trouble or harassment by bribe mongering officials 🙂

 

As I know the states which still require e-pass, they also require covid -ve certificate like Goa, Himachal, etc. Such states are also having blood testing facility at the border. So, I am confident that for entering MP and Maharashtra we wont require covid -ve certificate

 

In fact, Goa has changed their decision, similarly HImachal

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/covid-test-ve-certificate-no-longer-needed-to-enter-goa/articleshow/77861022.cms, Dated 1-Sep-2020

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/covid-19-negative-certificate-not-needed-to-enter-himachal-pradesh-cm-jai-ram-thakur/story-DcgB9aoXItOmdq04fTmS5N.html, dated 16-Sep

 

 

 

Edited September 23, 2020 by Kshitiz

[Harshal]

16 hours ago, sagar said:

As of the recent update, no-passes are required to cross the borders but still you never know when you will be stopped by the cops for what reason.

Since it is anyways a click away to get an epass, I would recommend you to get it for a safer side. Also, if possible the negative test result would be more convincing..

Yes @sagar WIll do it,Thanks!

[Harshal]

12 hours ago, Kshitiz said:

E-pass is not required for entering Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh. As I checked https://covid19.mhpolice.in/; it clearly says " Travel e-pass is no longer required for traveling" so not accepting any request for e-pass. However, MP e-pass website https://mapit.gov.in/covid-19/ApplyePass.aspx, is still accepting e-pass request. So I have registered myself.

Regarding the Covid19 negative certificate, it's true it will prevent possible trouble or harassment by bribe mongering officials 🙂

 

As I know the states which still require e-pass, they also require covid -ve certificate like Goa, Himachal, etc. Such states are also having blood testing facility at the border. So, I am confident that for entering MP and Maharashtra we wont require covid -ve certificate

 

In fact, Goa has changed their decision, similarly HImachal

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/covid-test-ve-certificate-no-longer-needed-to-enter-goa/articleshow/77861022.cms, Dated 1-Sep-2020

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/covid-19-negative-certificate-not-needed-to-enter-himachal-pradesh-cm-jai-ram-thakur/story-DcgB9aoXItOmdq04fTmS5N.html, dated 16-Sep

 

 

 

@Kshitiz Many many thanks for much needed information. This is a life saver. I am registering for e-pass for MP.

[Harshal]

Hi All, FYI Please- Due to some personal circumstances the travel plan got postponed to this week.

[sagar]

Will surely wait for the updates 😊

[Kshitiz]

Hi all, I completed my journey safely and reached Bhopal on 2nd Oct. It was my first road trip on this route.

Here is the loose details fresh out of my mind. I hope it will benefit fellow road trippers leaving for Bhopal soon. I will share more details with Pics and Gifs, soon. I have recorded my full journey in video.

 

Hyderabad to Nagpur:

Travel time: Total duration around 6:30 hours; started at 4:00 AM from Miyapur, and entered Nagpur (Airport Metro Station) at 10:30 AM

Breaks: 2 breaks of 15 mins each (1 for breakfast and 1 Fuel/Bio break). I took food from home and had my breakfast in Car after crossing Gamjal Toll.

Road Condition: This can be divided in to 2 parts

• Part 1: up to Pippalwada toll (Telangana): This part was good with 1 diversion just before Manoharabad Toll. The roads were wounded (possibly due to rain) at few places but well bandaged (patch work was complete). The road after Indalwai Toll was excellent and slightly Scenic. At one of the place I felt like a micro Ghat section 🙂 , or may be I was feeling Dizzy. So, I took a fuel/bio/drinks break just before Pippalwada toll.
• Part 2: after Pippalwada toll (Maharashtra): The roads were heavily wounded at many places and the caretaker (toll company) as of 2nd Oct seemed to be on vacation :-), but they made sure Toll is paid in full.
  Initially, I enjoyed navigating the potholes when roads were empty. However, at many places when other vehicles were around and at the invisible part of the roads (soon after the curve) I was left with no option but to go over it and test the shock absorbers. Before Borkhedi toll, there were few diversions.

Possible places for break: Just after Indalwai Toll: Balaji Ramdev Veg, and few others looked decent; Highway Nest (few mini outlets were open but not all); spotted Public Toilets slightly before or after the Toll Booths, but looked deserted. I decided not to use them

 

Nagpur to Bhopal

I was feeling slightly tired and planning to stop at Hotel Airport Centre Point; however, my wife saw a Haldiram's hoarding. It said "30% off" if you take-away food between 9 am to 11 am. Since, I was absolutely on time I went at the Haldiram outlet (Anjuman complex) on NH 47, soon after you leave NH 44 and got my lunch packed. I also had a refreshing Lassi,  and continued my journey towards Bhopal.

 

Please note: In Nagpur, Police is very strict in terms of Mask usage even if you are in your Car; unfortunately, I got a ticket of Rs 500/-.

 

Travel time: 7.5 hours; Started from Haldiram Outlet at Anjuman complex at around 11:00 am and reached my home in Bhopal at 6:30 pm.

Breaks: 2 breaks of 30 min each (1 for lunch, and 2^nd one for Photography); 1 additional break of 15 min, just to wash my face and stretch my body

Road Condition

• Nagpur to Betul: I have only few words to explain: “super-duper highway”. I really enjoyed driving in this stretch. Initially, there were 2 diversions within Nagpur city limits. The highway passed through very beautiful terrains- lakes, small hills, and lush green fields with animal grazing on slopes (it was beautiful). At few places there were fields of flowering plants, mostly Cosmos and Marigold, covering few tops of hills. I stopped at a random location, and had my lunch in Car. The view was just lovely with cool breeze adding freshness. After only few minutes of drive, I stopped at another place with Lake on the both sides of the highway and breathtaking views of landscape for Photography. I feel it was Monsoon magic.
• Betul to Itarsi: This stretch via Shahpur was single lane and very decent. There was mini Ghat section and it passes through small villages and lot of green woods all around, which gave a feeling of Chorla. Drive was easy, though. At few places partially completed 4 lane highway construction is ongoing. Hopefully it will complete soon
• Itarsi to Bhopal: For this section, I have only 1 word: “worst”. Generally, we find small patches of bad roads on highways, but here it was very very small patches of good roads; potholes lost their definition here. I uploaded 1 Instagram card challenging my friends if they can drive here. The immediate reply was ‘God bless your car’. It was like an adventure ride plus in bonus you get lots of Dust. Many times, I was lost in the Fog of Dust; visibility was hardly 1 meter. There were many Dust Machines (Trucks or the vehicle in front of us). I was thinking what would be the scene when it will rain. Construction of wide lane highway is going on with no option of temporary diversion road.

One general note: please be alert and don’t forget to say hello to all types of domestic farm animals roaming on the high speed highway, in this stretch. I had 2 close but safe encounters

 

Possible places for break:

There were not many options once you leave Nagpur; however, I saw few sign boards of Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s (MPT) resort in BadChicholi and just before Betul, but did not see any of them on the highway. May be they were inside the town or on the old highway. I only found Dhaba type places.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this road trip, except the last 100 Km. I will suggest to carry your food and drinks along with you and never plan to drive in night between the Itarsi to Bhopal route. I can say it would be like a bad dream for road trippers. Between Nagpur to Betul stretch do plan to enjoy the Nature.

Happy Tripping.

Edited October 6, 2020 by Kshitiz
formatting

[opsitiveguy]

@Kshitizvery nice summary of the trip!! Between hyderabad to indelwai toll there are many public toilets constructed by the company but no maintenance so it's not good for use. 

 

Anyone doing this trip if bio break is needed try the 2 reliance petrol bunks which are maintained well. 

 

One to the left comes after medchal near to first toll.

Second one is on the right comes after the Divya Hotel/resort. 

 

This is on the way to mh hometown so I know the route

[Gowtham]

Reliance petrol is best for both fuel and bio breaks.
Thank you for the update.

[Harshal]

@Kshitiz Great you have completed the trip within time. I started at 4:30 am from Narsingi and reached bhopal at late 10:45 pm in the night. I echo every word ass you mentioned the road is worst from Hoshangabad I would say till Bhopal. Never try in the night as there is road in potholes and trucks with flood lights will make the trip nightmares. No rules followed!!. If we leave this 20% of the trip rest 80% is the eye candy and pleasure road trip. It took me total 19Hrs. to reach bhopal eco green.

[Gowtham]

On 10/3/2020 at 4:52 AM, Kshitiz said:

Happy Tripping.

 

Thank you for the update. 
It is like a complete guide for Hyderabad to Bhopal road trip. 
It will be pretty helpful for many first timers. Very few members update when they are done with the trip.  

 

10 hours ago, Harshal said:

It took me total 19Hrs.

 

Thank you for sharing the information.

[Guest Sunil]

On 10/3/2020 at 4:52 AM, Kshitiz said:

Hyderabad to Nagpur:

Travel time: Total duration around 6:30 hours; started at 4:00 AM from Miyapur, and entered Nagpur (Airport Metro Station) at 10:30 AM

Breaks: 2 breaks of 15 mins each (1 for breakfast and 1 Fuel/Bio break). I took food from home and had my breakfast in Car after crossing Gamjal Toll.

 

Wow, the detail is great. I'm a first timer on highway driving (have only driven in city for now) and I was planning to go to my hometown Bhopal from Hyderabad. I was apprehensive as I have never driven on highway before. But the details provided are a great morale booster.

I have an additional question, going by the comments it appears that it is an isolated highway at multiple stretches. Do we have mechanics or repair workshops on the highway, in-case our vehicle breaks down in between?

[Kshitiz]

20 hours ago, Guest Sunil said:

 

Wow, the detail is great. I'm a first timer on highway driving (have only driven in city for now) and I was planning to go to my hometown Bhopal from Hyderabad. I was apprehensive as I have never driven on highway before. But the details provided are a great morale booster.

I have an additional question, going by the comments it appears that it is an isolated highway at multiple stretches. Do we have mechanics or repair workshops on the highway, in-case our vehicle breaks down in between?

Hi Sunil,

You can find the Breakdown services most-likely at petrol pumps or the intervening towns. I always have that fear in my mind, as well; being fearful is good for the safety by the way. So, I plan my long-drives well ahead and before every trip I get my Car undergo Maintenance Check or full service. That allays the basic risk of breakdown. But do remember, we can only reduce the risk on long drives. There will always be certain amount of risk, which we have to live with. Other minor things which I believe is essential are: a Tire Inflator, a puncture kit (or at least the plier to pull out nails), cleaned tools for changing the tires (few drivers keep jump start cable as well). Sometimes, I just test the tools if it is working properly, or lifting the car properly or not.

 

You would need to take care of yourself during the drive other than kits/tools. Driver fatigue or dizziness happens very frequently if you are not hydrated well or if your glucose levels are not maintained. So, take short but frequent breaks; eat, sip water, stretch your body, etc. If you still feel dizzy, take a power nap. Keep reading other posts on Trifod for more such knowledge from the members

 

Regarding the Bhopal Trip

I am happy to know that my experience of Bhopal road trip was helpful to you.

But do evaluate the travel duration, as It can vary. You can see in the above posts that I took 14 hours but Harshal took 19 hours. Plan your start and end time so that you don't have to drive in night, especially between Itarsi to Bhopal.

You can also evaluate night stay at Nagpur, if feasible, since you would be driving first time on long route.

 

I would be happy answer any other query you may have.

Happy Tripping

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest Sunil]

On 10/7/2020 at 3:45 AM, Kshitiz said:

Hi Sunil,

 

 

Hi Kshitiz,

 

Thank you for your response. Your inputs have been really helpful, I sent my car for servicing today, I don't have a tyre inflator or puncture kit, but will carry pliers.

As you rightly mentioned, that since it my first time on highway, we have planned to stop in Nagpur for the night and start the next morning for Bhopal, so that we don't get fatigued and we can also avoid that Itarsi to Bhopal stretch at night.

 

Without your inputs, planning this trip would not have been possible. Hoping for a safe and fun first trip.

 

Thank you so much!

[Guest Sunil]

Hi Everyone,

 

Thank you for your inputs, I was able to complete my first highway trip safely and enjoyed it too. The details provided were super helpful. I reached Bhopal on 18th Oct and echo what Kshitiz has said about the road.

1. Till Telangana border roads were awesome. One additional thing to add, the speed limit on highway was 100, but there were patches in between where speed limit was lesser, we ignored it and a speed gun caught us at 70kmph when speed limit was 50kmph. We got a overspeeding challan at Gimma X road, some distance before Pippalwada toll. So people be cognizant of the speed limit.

2. Roads from MH border to Nagpur were okayish, we thought the potholes will be big, but patchwork had been done and there were minor potholes, but not as smooth as till TS border.

3. We halted in NGP and it took us 9 hours to reach from HYD starting from Kondapur, we took water/bio break after every 100 kms.

4. As mentioned, NGP to Betul is the loveliest strech and roads are also in great shape. People should enjoy that stretch.

5. Betul to Itarsi road was majorly single lane with unmarked four lane in between, but road was in good condition.

6. Itarsi to Bhopal: As mentioned, road is really bad. As Kshitiz posted that his friends on instagram talked about God saving his car. We felt that too. Though we safely reached, we encountered a pothole enroute Hoshangabad, and both wheel covers on the right side flew away and front right wheel rim got bent. Though, it didn't leak and we managed to go ahead, it could have easily result in wheel damage/ puncture. Please be cautious on this road and try to avoid it at night.

 

Thank you all for your valuable inputs, the trip became possible due to the motivation I received here.

 

Regards,

Sunil

[sagar]

Thanks a lot Sunil, for sharing the latest updated information about the road conditions between Hyderabad and Bhopal.. Cheers!

[Kshitiz]

Great to know that your first road trip was exciting.

Thanks for sharing info regarding the speed limits. Now, with growing number of road trippers from Bhopal living in Hyderabad, we can open Bhopal Chapter of Trifod 🙂🙂