Jammu

23rd and 24th October 2022

Last time I had been  to Jammu was in 1975, early in the year, representing my college at the north zone inter varsity hockey tournament. Remember being made to stay at th hockey stadium, with frozen toilets. Had to go to the River Tawi to do the basics.

Today, Jammu is no longer anything close to that memory of a dusty little town on the banks of a river. It is a huge city. 

Left Baderwah after breakfast yesterday. The initial part of the run was cold. Was a great run till I reached the Chinani Nisari Tunnel.









 The only road block was herds of sheep being taken out to graze.

Came up on the road from Srinagar in two hours.

Passed a not too congested toll, and entered the tunnel.


 




Exited tunnel and felt myself back in city highways. Lots of heavy vehicles on the 6 lane highway, even more private vehicles and taxis.


 That is another tunnel. Never had a clue that so many existed. 

Asked around. The highway and the tunnels are all in the last decade.

Now, movement on this road is all weather. 

Only thing I see is that the lorry traffic is controlled, one day up and the next down, probably because parts of the mountain roads are still being widened.

But, amazing stuff.

Reached Jammu after much relaxed driving in the plains. Took my jacket off. Started thawing. Checked in to Colonel's Retreat in Jammu. Settled down to a relaxed lunch, then dinner.

This morning left early for Ahknoor. For those of you who read about the wars India has fought with Pakistan, this would be a familiar name. Akhnoor sector was known for it's bloody battles, lots of armour being thrown in from the pakis.

Spent the morning understanding the history of the region.

Back by 1330 for a light lunch.

Tomorrow, I head further into the plains.

 

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