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Top10 Longest Highways List in India

May 14, 2024

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India has seen the construction of several large highways in recent years, and such projects are projected to expand significantly in the coming years. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ financial allocation increased by 879% to Rs 2.76 lakh crore in FY24, from Rs 28,400 crore in FY14. The Indian road network is evolving to meet world-class standards. Highways are critical for improving connectivity and ensuring the seamless movement of people and products, thus contributing to economic growth. India has the second-largest road network behind the United States.

The Bharatmala project is a centrally supported road and highway development initiative aimed at establishing a robust network of roads, highways, and motorways throughout India. In this article, we will examine the top ten largest highway projects in India.

Biggest highways in India: Key facts

Longest highways in India	Length in kilometre (km)	Route details	States covered
NH-44 (Old NH-7)	3,745	Srinagar to Kanyakumari	Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
NH-27	3,507	Porbandar in Gujarat and ends in Silchar in Assam	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam
NH-48 (Old NH-8)	2,807	Delhi to Chennai	Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
NH-52	2,317	Sangrur, Punjab and stretches till Ankola, Karnataka	Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
NH-30 (Old NH-221)	2,040	Sitarganj, Uttarakhand to Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh	Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana
NH-6	1,873	Jorabat, Meghalaya to Selling, Mizoram	Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram
NH-53	1,781	Hajira, Gujarat and Pradip port, Odisha	Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha
NH-16 (Old NH-5)	1,711	East coast of West Bengal to Chennai, Tamil Nadu	West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu
NH-66 (Old NH-17)	1,622	Panvel to Kanyakumari	Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
NH-19 (Old NH-20)	1,435	Delhi to Kolkata	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal

India’s Longest Highways: Connecting the Nation

India boasts an extensive network of highways, crucial arteries that pulsate with the lifeblood of commerce and travel across the vast expanse of the country. Among these, several stand out for their sheer length and significance, facilitating connectivity from north to south, east to west, and everything in between.

National Highway-44: Bridging the Divide

A Historic Link

National Highway-44, often abbreviated as NH-44, holds the prestigious title of being the longest national highway in India. Its inception involved the amalgamation of seven individual highways, a feat of engineering and planning that underscores its importance. This vital thoroughfare stretches from the picturesque valleys of Srinagar in the north to the sun-kissed shores of Kanyakumari in the south.

National Highway-27: East to West Connectivity

Uniting the Coasts

NH-27 emerges as India’s second-longest national highway, traversing the country from east to west. Spanning the distance between Porbandar in the west to Silchar in the east, this roadway serves as a lifeline, connecting regions and fostering economic growth along its path.

National Highway-48: Delhi to Chennai Journey

Across Seven States

Covering a staggering distance of 2,807 kilometers, NH-48 stands as India’s third-longest national highway. Linking the bustling capital city of Delhi to the vibrant metropolis of Chennai, this highway weaves through seven states, stitching together the fabric of the nation’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

National Highway-52: Navigating the Heartland

A Passage Through the Western Ghats

National Highway-52 charts its course through six Indian states, spanning an impressive 2,317 kilometers. As it winds its way across the country, it serves as a vital conduit, facilitating connections and commerce. Notably, it traverses the majestic Western Ghats, offering travelers breathtaking vistas along the journey.

National Highway-30: From North to South

Formerly Known as NH-221

Stretching from Sitarganj in Uttarakhand to Ibrahimpatnam and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, NH-30 ranks as India’s fifth-longest national highway. Formerly designated as NH-221, this roadway embodies progress and connectivity, bridging regions and fostering development along its expanse.

National Highway-6: Linking the Northeast

A Path Through Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram

NH-6, previously known by various designations including NH-40, 44, 154, and 54, serves as a vital link connecting India’s northeastern states. Spanning three states — Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram — this highway facilitates movement and trade, bolstering the region’s connectivity with the rest of the country.

National Highway-53: Part of the AH-46 Network

Connecting Gujarat to Odisha

NH-53, an integral part of the AH-46 network, serves as a vital lifeline, linking the states of Gujarat and Odisha. Officially designated as running from Kolkata to Surat, this highway plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade and travel between these regions.

National Highway-16: A Coastal Odyssey

Embracing the Bay of Bengal

NH-16, a component of the esteemed Golden Quadrilateral Project, traces the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. Passing through the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, this highway offers travelers an enchanting journey filled with diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.

National Highway-66: Along the Southwest Coast

From Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu

NH-66, one of India’s most expansive highways, skirts the southwestern coast of the country. Spanning the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, this roadway traverses a rich tapestry of hills, forests, and waterways, serving as a vital lifeline for the region.

National Highway-19: A Historical Route

Part of the Grand Trunk Road

NH-19, a significant portion of the storied Grand Trunk Road, links the historic cities of Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Kolkata in West Bengal. As a vital artery of transportation, this highway not only connects major urban centers but also embodies the rich historical legacy of the region.

Unveiling India’s Highway Landscape: Key Insights

India’s highway infrastructure is a testament to the nation’s progress and development on the roadways. With the second-largest road network globally, India’s highways play a pivotal role in facilitating trade, travel, and economic growth. Noteworthy projects like the Golden Quadrilateral have revolutionized connectivity, linking major metropolitan centers and fostering regional development.

The Evolution of India’s Highways

A Legacy of Connectivity

Highways in India have undergone significant development over the years, evolving into critical arteries of transportation and commerce. From the British era to modern-day initiatives like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the journey of highway development has been marked by innovation and progress. Today, these highways stand as symbols of national unity, linking distant corners of the country and driving India’s growth story forward.

In conclusion, India’s national highways represent more than mere roads; they are lifelines that bind the nation together, fostering connectivity, commerce, and cultural exchange. As India continues to progress, its highways will remain vital conduits of growth and development, propelling the nation towards a brighter future.