India, with its expansive geography, is home to one of the most extensive road networks in the world. National highways form the backbone of this network, enabling seamless connectivity between cities, states, and regions. Here, we dive deep into the top 10 longest national highways in India, highlighting their significance, features, and importance to the nation's infrastructure.
1. National Highway 44 (NH 44) – The Longest Highway in India
Length: 4,112 km
Route: Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
NH 44, formerly known as NH 7, is India's longest national highway. It stretches from the northernmost state of Jammu & Kashmir to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu. This highway connects major cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Madurai, passing through 11 states. NH 44 is critical for trade, tourism, and interstate connectivity, linking diverse cultural and geographical zones.
Key Features:
- Acts as a lifeline for the agricultural and industrial hubs along its route.
- Facilitates smooth transit for pilgrims heading to Kanyakumari or Vaishno Devi.
- Undergoing significant upgrades under the Bharatmala Pariyojana project.
2. National Highway 27 (NH 27)
Length: 3,507 km
Route: Porbandar (Gujarat) to Silchar (Assam)
NH 27 is the second-longest national highway and a vital east-west corridor. It connects Gujarat's coastal city of Porbandar to Assam's Silchar, traversing major states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal
Key Features:
- Enhances connectivity for northeastern India.
- Crosses prominent cities like Udaipur, Lucknow, and Patna.
- Boosts trade and tourism between India's western and eastern regions.
3. National Highway 48 (NH 48)
Length: 2,807 km
Route: Delhi to Chennai
NH 48, previously part of NH 8 and NH 4, links the national capital Delhi to the southern metro city Chennai. It traverses through Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This highway is a crucial component of the Golden Quadrilateral project.
Key Features:
- Connects key cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore.
- Supports industrial transport for hubs like Surat and Bengaluru.
- Known for its modern expressway segments.
4. National Highway 30 (NH 30)
Length: 1,962 km
Route: Sitarganj (Uttarakhand) to Ibrahimpatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
NH 30, stretching across north to south-central India, passes through states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. This highway plays a crucial role in connecting rural regions to urban centers.
Key Features:
- Connects key pilgrimage sites and historical cities.
- Supports agricultural trade in central India.
- Part of ongoing road infrastructure development projects.
5. National Highway 19 (NH 19)
Length: 1,435 km
Route: Delhi to Kolkata
NH 19, also part of the historic Grand Trunk Road, is a critical artery connecting Delhi to Kolkata. It passes through major cities like Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, and Dhanbad.
Key Features:
- A key route for freight transport between northern and eastern India.
- Upgraded into six-lane highways under the Golden Quadrilateral initiative.
- High volume of daily traffic, facilitating economic activities.
6. National Highway 66 (NH 66)
Length: 1,622 km
Route: Panvel (Maharashtra) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
Formerly known as NH 17, NH 66 runs parallel to India’s western coastline. It traverses through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, making it a scenic route.
Key Features:
- Links coastal cities like Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, and Kochi.
- Supports tourism with access to beach destinations and hill stations.
- Significant for maritime trade, connecting ports along the western coast.
7. National Highway 16 (NH 16)
Length: 1,533 km
Route: Chennai (Tamil Nadu) to Kolkata (West Bengal)
NH 16, part of the Golden Quadrilateral, connects Chennai to Kolkata. It passes through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, serving as a lifeline for eastern India.
Key Features:
- Facilitates trade between southern and eastern India.
- Passes through major cities like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar.
- Known for its picturesque coastal segments.
8. National Highway 6 (NH 6)
Length: 1,949 km
Route: Surat (Gujarat) to Kolkata (West Bengal)
NH 6 is a major economic corridor linking western and eastern India. The highway passes through Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, facilitating the movement of goods and services across states.
Key Features:
- A vital route for the transportation of minerals and agricultural produce.
- Plays a crucial role in regional connectivity for tribal areas.
- Undergoing modernization and expansion to accommodate rising traffic.
9. National Highway 75 (NH 75)
Length: 1,011 km
Route: Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) to Parwanoo (Himachal Pradesh)
NH 75 connects the central plains of India to the Himalayan foothills. The highway serves as an essential route for trade and tourism, with access to key hill stations.
Key Features:
- Links historical cities like Jhansi and Agra.
- Promotes tourism with access to northern hill destinations.
- Significant for military logistics in northern regions.
10. National Highway 52 (NH 52)
Length: 2,317 km
Route: Sangrur (Punjab) to Ankola (Karnataka)
NH 52 connects northern India to the southwestern coast. Passing through Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, it plays a significant role in regional trade.
Key Features:
- Supports agricultural trade in Punjab and Haryana.
- Provides connectivity to industrial hubs in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Enhances cross-state accessibility for goods transport.
Conclusion
India’s national highways are not just roads; they are lifelines that boost connectivity, trade, and tourism across the nation. These highways represent the seamless integration of diverse regions, ensuring smooth transportation and fostering economic growth. The continuous development and modernization of these highways under various government initiatives make them critical to India's infrastructural progress.
