Mumbai YouTuber embarks on 15-day solo road trip to showcase Golden Quadrilateral

Mumbai-based YouTuber Nishmanya Bahadur recently completed a remarkable 15-day solo road trip covering 6,000 kilometres across 13 states exploring India’s Golden Quadrilateral. 

The journey, named ‘Atal Yatra,’ is a tribute to the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of uniting India through an extensive network of highways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Starting from Mumbai’s Nariman Point, Mumbai, at 7 am on February 12 Bahadur aimed to give people a firsthand look at the country’s evolving road infrastructure. The YouTuber emphasized that his solo road trip was not only a tribute but also intended to encourage people to undertake similar journeys, challenging the notion that solo road trips are not popular in India. He aimed to address concerns about road conditions, safety, and logistics, showcasing that solo road trips can be a delightful way to explore India’s beauty and culture.

Driving a Tata Harrier, Bahadur meticulously planned his route, passing through major cities such as Ahmedabad, Ajmer, New Delhi, Kanpur, Bodh Gaya, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Chennai, Bengaluru and finally back to Mumbai via Belagavi. He highlighted the importance of coming out of one’s comfort zone and experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultures India has to offer.

Bahadur’s motivation for the journey was two-fold: to embark on a significant road trip across the country and to build content for his YouTube channel, where he serves as a travel host. 

The Golden Quadrilateral project, celebrating its 25th anniversary, perfectly aligned with his plan, allowing him to showcase India’s brilliant infrastructure. Reflecting on his experience, Bahadur praised the government for delivering on its promises in most parts of the country. While he encountered some challenges, especially in areas with extensive roadworks, he highlighted seamless stretches, including Ahmedabad, the section between Bhubaneshwar and Guntur, the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi to Agra, and the expressway between Agra and Lucknow.

Driving around 12-14 hours daily, covering approximately 500 kilometres a day, Bahadur acknowledged moments of monotony but found ways to stay engaged by stopping the vehicle, walking around, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks.

Bahadur’s expedition aims to underscore the economic importance of infrastructure projects like the Golden Quadrilateral, emphasizing their role in driving economic activities, promoting regional development, and bringing the people of India closer. 

The solo road trip concluded in Mumbai on February 26.