Automotive India: the most colorful chaos in the world

The diverse geography of India ensures that the tourist season is in full swing in one part or another of the country. And yet, before you go, you have a lot to plan and do some serious preparatory work. Indeed, contrary to popular belief, traveling by car does not at all imply immediate departure on the road. 


In addition to choosing a destination, there are many questions that you should ask yourself, for example: “where and what route is best to go”, “what to use”, “what are the road conditions there”. You need to carefully consider these factors before you get behind the wheel! For these efforts, India will thank you with the richness and diversity of nature, as well as surreal culture.

Language and cultural barriers

In India, as a rule, they speak good English. But when you find yourself in the countryside, it will be useful to learn and remember a couple of necessary words in the local dialect:

✅ Namaskar - hello 
✅ Namaste - goodbye (and also: good evening, afternoon and morning)
✅ Dhanyavad - thank you  
✅ Creepy - please
✅ Ha-yes
✅ Nahi - no

When traveling in India, it should be borne in mind that local drivers often do not comply with traffic rules. It is hardly necessary to talk about vehicles going the wrong way, crossing a solid marking line where they wanted to, or about stray cows and buffaloes.


The locals have long been accustomed to this, considering it inevitable as the sunrise. But autotourists should be extra careful and take into account that no one cares about your personal safety here.

What cars do Indians prefer

India's automotive industry is a gigantic business that produces a significant number of cars and motorcycles annually, fueled by the country's huge population. This year, the car market, which has “fallen” sharply in the last couple of years, has finally recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Sales in April-September 2022 shot up and crossed the mark of 1,84 million units! This momentum is expected to remain dominant over the next six months, with over 3,5 million vehicles sold.


The leader of the Indian car market is Maruti Suzuki. At the end of September, 10 cars of this brand were in the Top 7. Second place for Hyundai, third for Tata. In terms of models, Indians traditionally prefer small hatchbacks such as the Maruti Alto. Mainly due to the peculiarities of local tax legislation, which gives advantages to small cars with a small engine. However, in recent years, demand has shifted towards crossovers, such as the Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

Trucks

India is a country of the richest historical heritage and colorful psychedelic culture. Walk along any street and you will see that almost everything is painted! Be it a grocery store, a political party banner, or clothes. And this list is endless. Indian trucks are also part of this culture, being a mixture of superstition and various religious beliefs.


Since most drivers are on the road for weeks, sometimes months, they have to lead a nomadic life: sleeping and cooking in cabs. Separated from their families, Indian truckers do their best to decorate and create comfort in their mobile "homes". Graffiti phrases such as "Horn Please", "Blow Horn" and "Use Dipper at Night" are also an integral part of "cargo culture". 

How to travel in India 

Those who like to tickle their nerves can use the public transport services: an unforgettable experience is guaranteed! After all, judging by the style of "aerobatics", bus drivers in this life are no longer holding anything. 

A car is the perfect way to get around in a foreign country. There are both international and local car rental companies in India, with a curious feature being the ability to rent a car with a driver – Chauffeur Drive. It is often much safer than driving on your own, and it is relatively inexpensive: from 3500 to 6000 rupees per day (2 - 5 thousand rubles), depending on the class of car. But, of course, you can drive yourself. 


It can take some time to get used to being a hired chauffeur, especially if this is your first trip to India. However, you will soon realize that it is quite convenient! The driver will independently take care of the route and take you wherever you want. In addition, he will answer your questions and tell you, for example, where it is better to have a bite to eat. However, keep two points in mind. Firstly, the drivers do not have a guide license, so they will refuse to accompany you to monuments and sights. Secondly, your driver will definitely be waiting for a tip: 200 - 400 rupees per day (150 - 300 rubles) will be enough. 

If you do not want to contact the official car rental, you can rent a car from private traders. Remember how the hero of the movie "Deja Vu" was poisoned to change dollars in Nichiporuk's bakery? Here you can perform a similar trick. For a certain amount, you will be “offered to ride” in the car of an “Indian friend”. If the police stop you, a “friend” will drive up and confirm your words. But this medal also has a downside: in the event of a breakdown or an accident, you will have to pay for repairs from your own wallet!


In addition to rentals, there are taxi services in India, including Uber and Ola Cabs. The latter offer cars both for trips within cities and for long-distance travel. "Tuk-tuk" - this is how the locals call the auto-rickshaw: a trip on this vehicle should be included in the mandatory program for visiting India!  

Legal subtleties

If you still decide to drive on your own, then keep in mind the following - to drive a car, you need to have 4 documents with you:

✅ International driver's license
✅ Certificate of registration
✅ Car insurance policy 
✅ PUC certificate (environmental) 

You can present them electronically through the Digi Locker or mParivahan applications. You also need to pay attention to the "habitat" of the rental vehicle. If you are going to travel throughout the country, you will need a special permit: All India Permit.

Law and order

As a rule, the traffic police issue receipts for traffic violations on the spot, but there is a risk of falling under an automatic camera. Fines in India range from INR 100 for minor offenses to imprisonment for more serious offenses. The latter include driving without a "license", or while intoxicated. Please note that for a killed cow, revered here as a sacred animal, in some states you can “sit down” up to life! 


Local residents for the offense committed by the police may well be beaten with a stick, or forced to engage in "physical education": for example, squat. But the cops are more friendly with foreigners. Police chief Jaspal Singh last week directed that tourists should only be fined for "obvious violations" and refrain from harassing rental cars. 

Speed ​​limits in India are determined by the type of road, but keep in mind that signs still have priority. In general, the limits look like this:
 
✅ City – 50 km/h
✅ Country road – 80 km/h
✅ Motorway - 100-120 km/h 

In case of emergency, call 100, this is the Police. Ambulance - 101; Fire department - 102 or 108.

How to behave in traffic

Traffic for our drivers is not something unknown, but the chaos on Indian roads can drive you crazy. Massive traffic jams during rush hours will require you to have the equanimity and patience of a yogi! And deaf. 

Use of a sound signal in vain, of course, is not recommended in any country. However, local drivers will only notice you when you beep! This is normal practice here. Remember that in India the klaxon speaks for you! And don't forget to follow the ancient rule of "three D's", this will help you avoid trouble and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. 


What could be better than packing your bags and rushing away from the routine and stress to India! A country surrounded by a spiritual aura, saturated with the colors of the holidays and decorated with a diverse landscape. Represented by heavenly Jammu and Kashmir to the north, culturally rich Tamil Nadu to the south, sacred Gujarat to the west, and breathtaking Arunachal Pradesh to the east, the tourist destination is rightly called "Incredible India"!

The experience of traveling in this country will be like no other, and the list of attractions alone is so huge that even a simple listing of them will take more than one page! And, probably, it would be superfluous to say that it is possible to get to all this splendor only by car?