Solo Ride For Safety: Somit Makar's 61-day Quest For Safer Roads

For adventure enthusiast and road safety advocate Somit Makar, the open road is more than just a journey—it’s a calling. At 55, the former investment banker-turned-entrepreneur went on a solo expedition, covering 11,278 km from Delhi to Kanniyakumari and back via the Coromandel Coast.

Spanning 61 days, from November 9, 2024 to January 8, 2025, this road trip was not only an exploration of India’s diverse landscapes, culture, and spirituality but also a mission to promote road safety.

Makar's journey began with a desire to leave his comfort zone. Armed with a backpack, a car and a heart full of excitement, he set off on an adventure with no fixed itinerary, allowing spontaneity to guide him. During his travels, he had experiences that deeply impacted him. From watching a sunset on an isolated beach and hiking through rugged landscapes, to immersing himself in local traditions, each moment contributed a new chapter to his story. The freedom to make decisions without constraints enabled him to explore places he had never imagined visiting.

Across India's Diverse Landscapes

Walking The Ghats Of Varanasi

Makar set-off with a spiritually enriching experience at Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi during Dev Deepawali. Witnessing the grand Ganga Aarti from a boat was a sacred experience for him. However, the most profound moment came during an 84-ghat walk on November 16. Strolling along the ancient ghats alone at night evoked deep contemplation—an introspective parallel to life’s solitary journey in search of meaning and higher purpose.

At The Tip Of The Bow

The windswept shores of Arichal Munai in Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu, believed to be the starting point of the mythical Ram Setu, was a harrowing moment for Makar. A fishing boat capsized before his eyes, leaving four men struggling in the rough waters. While three clung to their vessel and were rescued, the fate of the fourth remained unknown. The tragedy was a stark reminder to cherish every moment, for the future is never guaranteed. Despite this, the white sand beaches and the drive from Rameswaram to Arichal Munai stood out as easing experiences.

A Ferry Across Chilika Lake

Choosing an offbeat route from Puri to Gopalpur, Makar ventured through Satapada, taking a 40-minute ferry ride across Chilika Lake, Odisha. The journey was enriched by a three-hour boat ride, where rare Irrawaddy dolphins appeared and migratory birds heralded the onset of winter. The sheer abundance of natural beauty reinforced a sense of gratitude for India’s rich biodiversity.

Seeking Blessings At Tirumala

A visit to the revered Tirumala temple, Andhra Pradesh, made Makar realise the immense faith of devotees. The arduous nine-hour wait for darshan underscored the deep-rooted spiritual traditions in India. While temple management has significantly improved, the overwhelming crowds highlighted the need for more efficient pilgrimage systems, especially given India’s booming religious tourism industry, he told Outlook Traveller.

Stargazing In India’s Own Grand Canyon

One of Makar’s first stops was Gandikota, often called the “Grand Canyon of India.” Perched atop the rugged cliffs of Andhra Pradesh's Gandikota, he marvelled at the calming views of the Penna River cutting through the canyon. Here, under a starlit sky, he soaked in the company of nature, a stark contrast to the chaos of city life.

While the natural beauty was unparalleled, the lack of maintenance and the litter-strewn camping site disappointed him, a reminder that more efforts are needed to preserve such hidden gems.

Other Highlights

Makar's road trip was a repository of diverse experiences—witnessing the grandeur of Chola-era UNESCO heritage temples, sailing through the marble rocks of Bhedaghat at dawn, exploring the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho, and unravelling history at Orchha’s Bundela forts. A strenuous trek up Gingee Fort and the spiritual vibes of Auroville in Puducherry added to the adventure.

A tiger sighting at Tadoba on the morning of January 1, 2025, set the tone for an exhilarating year for Makar. A soulful meal at Nanded’s langar, an evening at the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, and visits to the ruins of Nalanda and Rajgir deepened his spiritual roots. Beach hopping at Puri, admiring the Sun Temple at Konark, and exploring the Kanchipuram temple enriched his cultural journey further.

A night spent in a traditional Chettinad mansion and nostalgic childhood memories rekindled at Mahabalipuram brought Makar's expedition full circle, making this solo drive not just a journey across India but within.

Beyond The Road

Makar’s road trip from Delhi to Kanniyakumari and back via the Malabar Coast was more than an adventure. Over thousands of kilometres, he witnessed India's varied landscapes and encountered pressing issues that left a deep impact on him.

A trek in Gokarna led to a startling discovery—plastic waste was so prevalent that he found his way back by following discarded bottles. This moment reinforced his long-held belief in the need for a cleaner India. Since then, he has taken up a personal challenge: picking up at least five plastic bottles from every place he visits.

Covering long distances also gave him a reality check on Indian roads. While the efforts of MoRTH and NHAI are evident as the national highways have improved significantly, making long-distance travel smoother and safer, with emergency support now available at toll plazas, he shared. However, challenges remain. National Highway expansions are uneven, with states like West Bengal lagging. State and local roads often lack dividers, making night driving risky. Signage inconsistencies, unclear speed limits, and unmarked speed breakers further complicate road safety. Addressing these issues can make Indian roads even more efficient and secure, he reiterated.

Determined to make a difference, he connected with COERS, IIT Madras, and NHAI to bring road safety awareness into his journey. Through planned webinars and discussions, he hopes to drive change, one conversation at a time.