16th February 2014 (Day 8). On the road between Agra and Gwalior.

All the images in this post are from the bus.

.

.

The first few images are in or near Agra; the last few are in or near Gwalior.  It’s only 120 kilometres but it was a long and arduous journey.  The condition of the road was very poor with many large potholes, even when it hadn’t deteriorated to a dirt track or extensive road works in progress.  This is a major road.  It’s condition was more like a minor side road in very poor condition.

.

Driving in India is most curious (and I have no desire to try it myself).  There is little in the way of observance of road laws.  Mainly people drive on the left but not where it’s more convenient to drive on the other side of the road.  Right of way involves liberal use of the horn to warn others to get out of the way.   There’s little inhibition against passing even on blind corners and it’s only because the speeds are usually low that the carnage is not greater.

.

As well as cars, trucks and buses, you will see on the road tuk-tuks, motor scooters, motorbikes, horse carts, ox carts, camel carts, hand carts, cycle carts, bicycles, dogs, cows, buffaloes, camels and pedestrians.  Potentially there could also be elephants but the only one I saw on the road was on the back of a truck.

.

Some improvements are in process, though seemingly very slowly.  Either insufficient funds are allocated or they’re swallowed up by corruption.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.