monitoring systems and awareness raised by the
Odisha government, evacuation had begun well ahead
of this notorious cyclone’s landfall. Restoration of
houses, electricity poles and other public infrastructure
was underway and a big salute to the people who are
helping rebuild these catastrophe-hit places.
The KWID is a darn good-looking car and along with
the colourful India Diamond Trail livery, it turned a lot
of heads. Intrigued locals would walk up to us asking if
the KWID was a ‘rally’ car. Only then did I realise that
for them, ‘rally car’ was either a car used in a political
campaign or to attract crowds for local events.
Over the next couple of days, we drove the KWID
into the north-east, halting a day each in Kolkata,
Siliguri and Guwahati, where we also passed through
the sprawling 429sqkm Kaziranga National Park.
Speed traps ensured we drove with extreme caution,
but I admit that we had ambitious hopes of catching a
glimpse of a Bengal tiger or a rhino at least. And just
when we were about to give up on animal spotting, a
bunch of rhinos appeared in the distance. And that’s
what is amazing about the AH1. As it runs through the
boundary of this national park and you can spot wildlife
from the highway itself.
While driving through this reserve, sudden spells
of torrential rains put the KWID to the test. And boy, it
passed with flying colours. Thanks to KWID’s ABS+EBD
that ensured a smooth drive even on the wet road
surface. Also the comfortable, high seat position made
it easy to spot the potholes and dodge the countless
stray cattle that the road was full of.
Left: Even long hours behind the wheel of the KWID didn’t prove to be
too much of a problem. Top to bottom: One of the many mandatory
chai breaks; the KWID didn’t break a sweat while cruising at high speeds;
cooling off in style