From Hooghly to Thames: 15 globetrotters to go on 63-day drive across 22 countries
Times of India | 11 March 2024
Kolkata: A group of 15 travel buffs and globetrotters are set to drive their dreams of a cross-country car expedition from the bank of the Hooghly in Kolkata to the bank of Thames in London in Aug. As part of the expedition, a fleet of six SUVs will cover a distance of about 18,000 km in 63 days to reach the capital of the United Kingdom from the city, which had served as the capital of British India between 1772 and 1911.
The Kolkata-London motor expedition called Drive of Dreams is set to be flagged off near Eden Gardens in the city on Aug 24 and the fleet will traverse through 22 countries, including China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Germany, Switzerland and France before culmination of the journey near Lord’s cricket ground in London on Oct 25. There will also be a service car in the convoy if any SUV needs urgent intervention for any snags.
The route of this expedition is partly similar to that of an erstwhile Kolkata-London bus service, which was in operation till the 1970s and would take about 132 days.
A Bengali couple settled in Australia, Debanjali Ray, an anaesthesiologist and her husband Kaushik Ray, a businessman, have taken the initiative to organise the expedition. A few years ago they formed a community of travel enthusiasts, Roadyssey.
“When I was in school, Kazi Nazrul Islam’s Bengali poem ‘Sankalpa’ instilled in me a passion for travel and to explore the world. In 2018 my wife resigned from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital where she worked as an assistant professor. We left for Australia for work and while living abroad, we thought of exploring the diverse landscape of the world. Gradually, we came across some like-minded people and formed the community, Roadyssey. This is the first time we are going to undertake such a long expedition,” said Kaushik.
Debanjali said, “Roadyssey brings together travel buffs across the world. I call the expedition, Drive of Dreams, a celebration of the relentless human spirit that seeks the thrill of the unknown. We are all very excited about the upcoming cross-country expedition. Travel enthusiasts like us always splurge on foreign trips, for which we have slush funds. Each one of us is shelling out around Rs 10 lakh to experience the cross-country drive to London from Kolkata.”
Those undertaking the Kolkata-London trip, will also get to catch glimpses of Mount Everest, the Great Wall of China and explore the ancient Silk Route, Pamir Highway, Taklamakan desert and other iconic landmarks in Europe.
Nagerbazar Subir Roy, a businessman and a veteran motor rallyist in the city, said, “ It is going to be an experience of a lifetime for me to be part of such a historic motor drive through 22 countries. This expedition will epitomise the spirit of adventure and camaraderie among travel enthusiasts.” Chartered accountant Rahul Banerjee, a Salt Lake resident, said, “I hope all of us will tide over the challenges together, if any.”