Friends Self Drive Trip to Chakrata
I planned a trip to Chakrata with my friends and hired a self drive car in Dehradun
We were 4 friends and we travelled from Gurgoan to Dehradun after a 6 hours long train journey. We had already booked a self drive cars in Dehradun from a local vendor in Dehradun because a friend of ours who had earlier visited Dehradun suggested us this vendor.
When we reached Dehradun Railway station we called the agent for our rental car they informend us that it is right outside the railway station and the agent is already waiting for us with the car keys. When we got out of Railway station we found the Rapidx Car Rental agent waiting for us, he did all the formalities and handed us the car keys. It was a Tata Nexon which we had rented because of high ground clearance. In this budget range this is the best ground clearance car we could have got and we were happy that we got it. The vehicle was awesome and had a good music system installed.
Start of Road trip with Self Drive Car Rental In Dehradun
We then started our self drive rental car in Dehradun and headed right to Kumar sweet shop at Rajpur road in Dehradun where we planned to have lunch. This shop is very old sweet shop in Dehradun maybe pre indepencence era and all the food items were very tasty. Then we decided to head directly to Chakrata before it gets dark as driving at night in hills can sometimes be a bit risky and we did not wanted any problems.
We enjoyed the journey in the hills after Dakpatthar, Vikas Nagar. The road was build good and it was a fun drive we turned the music system and played some old school gazals in our self drive car. The car had more than enough power for these hilly roads.
Our Stay In Chakrata
Then when we reached Chakrata, we were all tired and checked into our resort - Hotel Burans & Restaurant, the resort was amazing with hill views on all sides but by now we did not wanted to enjoy the view and just rest in our cozy beds, so we had dinner and got to sleep thinking of all the amazing places we are going to visit tommorow.
Tiger Falls And Mall Road
Next day we headed to Moila top and Tiger falls with our self drive car rental in Dehradun. We hit the throttel so that we can cover all the amazing locations.
Tiger falls was amazing we had a bath there even though it was very cold but still once we got into the water it felt amazing. It is said that Tiger falls is one of the largest waterfall in India, so looking at it was beautiful. We ate maggie and bun omlet at a stall at tiger fall, Maggie in hills is always amazing and feels very different.
In evening we visited the mall road in Chakrata, which was nothing like Mussoorie or Manali, the Chakrata mall road is not very commercial but stil it had a simple vibe of a small hillstation. I bought some golves for myself from a old lady who used to make it herself. The Jaunsari people are very simple and amazing people they have a amazing smile.
Later we came back to our resort and enjoyed a bonfire with other fellow travellers, we made some new friends there.
Back To Dehradun
Next day in morning we headed back to Dehradun and returned our self drive cars in Dehradun to Rapidx Car Rental team. We thanked them for providing us a self drive car in Dehradun in such a good condition and later got back to Gurgoan in a bus from Dehradun ISBT.
The whole trip was a memory we will have in our mind for a long time to come.
- Rahul Sharma
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Indian weapons must on all 114 Rafale jets, govt tells Dassault
India’s defense modernization plans received a strategic boost as the government officially directed Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, to equip all 114 aircraft with Indian-made weapons. This move underlines India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology while strengthening the combat readiness of its air force. The Rafale jets, considered among the most advanced multi-role fighters globally, are now set to carry the nation’s indigenous missile systems, bombs, and electronic warfare packages, blending cutting-edge French airframe technology with homegrown armaments. The Rafale Program and Indigenous Weapons India’s Rafale acquisition, initially contracted in 2016, brought 36 jets into the Air Force inventory, with an additional 114 aircraft to be delivered in subsequent batches. While Dassault’s jets are equipped with state-of-the-art French systems, the Indian government has long emphasized the integration of locally produced weapons. These include BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, and indigenous precision-guided bombs. By mandating the use of Indian weapons across all 114 Rafales, the government aims to reduce dependency on foreign arms supplies and ensure that India’s air force maintains operational flexibility in critical combat scenarios. A senior defense official stated, “Our aim is to ensure that the Rafale platform not only brings in technological superiority but also becomes a force multiplier for our indigenous weapons programs.” Strategic Implications The integration of Indian weapons on Rafale jets carries both operational and strategic significance. From an operational perspective, using indigenous weapons allows for standardized maintenance and training protocols across the fleet. It simplifies logistics, reduces costs, and ensures that India is not constrained by export restrictions or supply chain uncertainties from foreign manufacturers. Strategically, the decision sends a strong signal to both allies and adversaries. India demonstrates its growing capability in defense production and its intention to assert technological independence in critical military domains. Given the geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with China and Pakistan, equipping the Rafales with locally produced weapons enhances India’s deterrence posture. Challenges in Integration Integrating indigenous weapons with Rafale aircraft, however, is not without technical challenges. Aircraft and weapons systems must be seamlessly compatible, including software integration, aerodynamics, and avionics. The Air Force’s testing and evaluation teams, along with Dassault engineers, will have to ensure that Indian missiles, bombs, and sensors work flawlessly with French-designed flight systems. Past collaborations, such as integrating the BrahMos missile on Su-30MKI aircraft, offer a blueprint for success, but the Rafale’s advanced avionics and fly-by-wire systems necessitate meticulous engineering and rigorous testing. Officials assure that phased testing and gradual integration will ensure minimal disruption to the aircraft’s delivery schedules. Boosting India’s Defense Industry This directive aligns closely with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to build a robust domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem. By mandating the use of Indian weapons, the government hopes to create opportunities for local defense firms, enhance research and development capabilities, and encourage private sector participation in high-tech defense projects. According to industry experts, this approach will provide a significant boost to companies involved in missile development, precision-guided munitions, and electronic warfare systems. It also signals potential for future export opportunities, as Rafale jets equipped with Indian weapons could be offered to other countries, increasing India’s global defense footprint. Diplomatic and Industrial Balance While this move strengthens India’s self-reliance, it also requires careful diplomatic balancing. Dassault Aviation, which must now adapt its jets to accommodate Indian weapons, plays a critical role in maintaining delivery timelines and contractual obligations. Successful collaboration will require constant communication and technical coordination between French and Indian engineers. In the long term, this partnership could evolve into a model for international collaboration, where global platforms are paired with indigenous systems to create hybrid solutions tailored to specific national needs. Looking Ahead India’s decision to equip all Rafale jets with local weapons is a bold step toward achieving strategic autonomy in defense. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with self-reliance, ensuring that the Air Force is equipped with a versatile, powerful, and locally sustainable arsenal. As the delivery of Rafale jets continues, the coming years will likely see a seamless integration of India’s missiles, bombs, and electronic warfare systems into the fleet, creating a formidable air power platform that combines the best of French aeronautical engineering with India’s indigenous defense innovation. This initiative not only strengthens India’s air defense capabilities but also reinforces its position as a rising power in global defense technology. It’s a reminder that modern warfare increasingly depends on the ability to combine advanced platforms with locally developed systems—a strategy India is now executing with clarity and purpose.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi7 days ago in Journal
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