No information on the time required to drive from Jammu (Kashmir) to Ludhiana (Punjab), nor on the existence of any restricted travel areas, could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, a table found on the Website Maps of India indicates that the highway distance between Jammu and Ludhiana is 278 km (Mapsofindia.com n.d.).

According to the road map of Jammu and Kashmir and the road map of Punjab found on the Website Maps of India, the drive from Jammu to Ludhiana starts with highway NH 1A in Jammu and Kashmir (Mapsofindia.com 2003-2004). This highway becomes highway NH 1 in Punjab. Both NH 1A and NH 1 are identified as "National Highways" on these road maps (ibid.).

As well, there are clear indications that a portion of highway NH 1 has four lanes; "[f]our Laning of National Highway no.1 (Sher Shah Suri Marg) from Haryana Border has been completed up to Jalandhar (Km.212 to Km.312.25)" (Government of Punjab n.d.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Government of Punjab. n.d. Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads). "PWD(B&R) Department." http://punjabgovt.nic.in/government/govt759.htm [Accessed 24 May 2005]

Mapsofindia.com. 2003-2004. "Road Network of Jammu and Kashmir." http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/jammuandkashmir/jammuandkashmirroads.htm [Accessed 19 May 2005]

_____. 2001-2002. "Punjab Road Network Map." http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/punjab/punjabroads.htm [Accessed 19 May 2005]

_____ . n.d. "Distance Chart from Jammu and Kashmir to Over Hundreds of Cities & Towns (Highways in Kms)." http://www.mapsofindia.com/distances/jammu.html [Accessed 19 May 2005]

Oral sources: The Skoda dealership in Ludhiana and the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board did not provide information within the time constraints of this Response.

Internet sites, including: Punjab Infrastructure Development Board, Punjab Tourism Development Corporation, The Tribune Online [Chandigarh], WNC.