National Highways in India: National Highways play a crucial role in connecting different regions and fostering economic growth and development throughout the country. As transportation networks continue to evolve, several National Highways in India have been renumbered or renamed to streamline navigation and improve connectivity. With around 599 national highways, India’s National Highways have covered a total length of around 1,46,145 km, enhancing the transportation of goods and movement of people across the country.

Important National Highways in India

This table presents a snapshot of these changes, shedding light on the new designations assigned to these vital roadways. Additionally, the table includes information on the total length of National Highways in India in each state, underscoring their significance in shaping India’s vast road infrastructure. Explore the table to gain insights into the National Highway in India network and its evolution in various regions of the country.

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Complete India’s National Highways List

State-wise Length of National Highways in India

India has a total of 599 national highways. They form the backbone of the country’s transportation system, serving as vital arteries that facilitate the movement of goods, people, and services across vast distances. With each state having its unique geographical features and developmental needs, the length of National Highways in India varies significantly, reflecting the diverse infrastructure requirements and connectivity challenges faced by each region.

The list below presents a valuable compilation of data, offering valuable insights into the extensive road network and its distribution across the various states and Union Territories. Check the data below to learn about the length of national highways in India.

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National Highways in India Map

National Highways in India form the backbone of the country’s road transportation network, connecting major cities, towns, and industrial centers across vast distances. Covering thousands of kilometers, these well-maintained roads ensure efficient movement of goods and people, bolstering India’s overall infrastructure and contributing to its development.

As key arteries of India’s road system, National Highways significantly contribute to the country’s social integration and are vital in reducing travel time, transportation costs, and fuel consumption. They are essential for the nation’s progress and reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility for all citizens. Below is the National Highways in India on Map.

How are National Highways in India Numbered?

The details about how national highways in India are numbered are presented as bullet points:

• Odd numbers: Assigned to North-South highways.
• Even numbers: Given to East-West highways.
• Golden Quadrilateral: Carries numbers ending in “5” and connects major cities.
• North-East highways: Numbered in the 100s.
• Circular and radial routes: Numbered in the 200s.
• Feeder routes: Numbered in the 300s.
• Border roads: Numbered in the 400s.
• East-West corridors: Designated in the 500s.
• North-South corridors: Designated in the 600s.
• Special highways: These may have unique numbers based on their significance or specific purpose.

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How Many National Highways in India?

As of 2023, India had a total of 599 National Highways, covering a length of approximately 1,46,145 kilometers. These highways form the backbone of the country’s road infrastructure, facilitating efficient transportation and connectivity across states and regions.

The numbering and details of these highways are periodically updated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to reflect new developments and realignments.

Interesting Facts about National Highways in India

Here are some interesting facts about national highways in India:

1. The longest national highway in India is NH 44 (formerly NH 7), stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. It traverses through 11 states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
2. On the other hand, the shortest national highway in India is NH 966 B (formerly NH 47A), covering a mere 8 km distance between Kundanoor and Willingdon Island in Kochi, Kerala.
3. The Golden Quadrilateral is a remarkable national highway network connecting India’s four major metropolitan cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. It forms a quadrilateral shape, significantly improving connectivity between these major urban centers.
4. India boasts the second largest road network globally, constituting around 40% of the country’s national highways. This extensive network plays a vital role in supporting India’s transportation and economic development.
5. The Leh-Manali Highway, connecting Shimla to Leh in Ladakh, is the world’s second-highest motorable highway. It navigates through challenging terrains and stunning mountain passes, offering breathtaking views along the way.
6. National Highway 1 (NH 1), also known as the Grand Trunk Road, is one of the world’s oldest and longest major roads, with a history dating back over two millennia. It originally connected ancient cities like Peshawar in Pakistan to Kolkata in India, covering a distance of approximately 2,500 km.
7. The Yamuna Expressway (formerly called Taj Expressway) is one of India’s most modern highways, connecting Delhi to Agra. It is renowned for its excellent design and safety features, allowing for high-speed travel.

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1. India’s longest six-lane highway is the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, running between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. This iconic highway significantly reduces travel time between the two cities and offers mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats.
2. The National Highway 44, formerly NH 7, is not only the longest but also one of the busiest national highways in India. It forms a crucial part of the North-South Corridor, an important transportation route connecting various regions.
3. The National Highway Development Project (NHDP) is a massive infrastructure initiative launched in 1998 to upgrade and widen several national highways across the country. The project aims to improve road connectivity and promote economic growth.
4. India’s highest motorable road is Khardung La Pass in Ladakh, located at an astonishing altitude of approximately 5,602 meters (18,379 feet) above sea level. Though not officially designated as a national highway, it is a popular route for adventurous travelers.
5. The Mumbai Nashik Expressway is India’s first-ever access-controlled expressway, significantly enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and Nashik, Maharashtra.
6. The Eastern Peripheral Expressway, also known as KGP (Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal) Expressway, is India’s first greenfield expressway. It was constructed to decongest Delhi traffic by diverting vehicles from the city.
7. The North-South Corridor, a series of connected national highways running from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, covers an astounding length of around 3,800 km, making it one of the longest road corridors in the world.

These facts highlight the diverse and impressive nature of India’s national highways, showcasing their historical significance, engineering marvels, and contributions to the country’s transportation infrastructure.

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