Flight schedules don’t always align with convenience and that was exactly the case with the Volvo EX30 media drive in Jaipur. The flights available were either too early in the morning or late in the evening and I had to reach there by 3:00 PM. So, I decided to drive down to Jaipur and my companion was the Hyundai Alcazar.
Setting Off from Noida
I rolled out of Noida at 10:40 AM. The first stretch was the most time-consuming, nearly 45 minutes just to cross the ever-busy Kalindi Kunj bridge. But the moment you take a left turn after that, you’re technically on the highway.
This is where the newly built DND–KMP Expressway (NH-148NA) comes into play. Spanning 59 km, this 6-lane expressway connects the DND Flyway to the KMP Expressway at Khalilpur, Nuh, Haryana and eventually feeds you straight onto the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.
On the Expressway
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is undoubtedly the fastest way to Jaipur. Wide lanes, minimal traffic and proper facilities make it a stress-free drive. I noticed plenty of fuel stations, cafés, clean washrooms and even fast chargers along the route, a promising sign for EV users.
However, not everything is perfect. Heavy trucks have already created grooves on some stretches, which means waterlogging and an increased risk of aquaplaning in rains. Still, the uninterrupted flow of traffic, absence of diversions and pure expressway experience make it a far superior option compared to older routes.
From Bandikui, I exited onto the Bandikui–Jaipur expressway. This narrower stretch felt smooth, scenic and gave a glimpse of the Aravalli range, a refreshing sight before entering Jaipur’s outskirts. By 2:20 PM, including a quick break for refuelling, tea and washroom, I was checking into ITC Mementos Jaipur.
Hyundai Alcazar on the Move
The Alcazar, in its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol avatar, produces 160 HP and 253 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. On the expressway, this combination came alive. Straight-line stability was confidence-inspiring, overtakes were effortless and the gearbox shifts were seamless.
The ride quality stood out as well. It wasn’t bouncy and the suspension absorbed most undulations with composure, making the long highway run less tiring. Features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control really elevated the experience, making it feel like a modern long-distance cruiser.
Fuel efficiency, however, remains a chink in the armour. Initially, the Alcazar was returning around 6 km/l in the city but on this highway run, I managed to extract 12.4 km/l, which is respectable but still not its strong suit.
Design and Cabin Experience
The Alcazar in matte finish looks sharp and premium, standing out in the sea of regular paint jobs. Inside, the cabin feels spacious and loaded with features, though the third row continues to be best suited for kids or short stints. For five adults, comfort is good.
The next day, as I returned from Jaipur, the Alcazar’s automatic transmission proved invaluable while crawling through Delhi’s notorious traffic, keeping the drive stress-free even after covering hundreds of kilometres.
Jaipur Stopover
The drive wasn’t just about the journey. Jaipur itself offered its own delights, from the majestic Hawa Mahal to the irresistible street food. A plate of hot kachoris and some local flavours perfectly rounded off the trip before heading back the following day.
Verdict
Driving down to Jaipur instead of flying turned out to be a decision well made. The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway combined with the Alcazar’s comfortable, tech-laden cabin and strong turbo-petrol performance made the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
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