Introduction:
National highways are the lifelines of India's transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods and people across vast distances. As of 2025, India boasts an extensive network of national highways, with the longest routes connecting the northernmost and southernmost points of the country. In this blog, we will explore the Longest National Highways in India 2025, detailing their routes, significance, and the infrastructure developments that enhance their utility.
National Highway 44 (NH44): The Longest Highway
National Highway 44 (NH44) holds the title of the longest national highway in India, stretching approximately 4,112 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This highway passes through 11 states and union territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. NH44 serves as a crucial north-south corridor, facilitating interstate travel and trade.
National Highway 27 (NH27): East-West Connectivity
National Highway 27 (NH27) is another significant route, extending over 3,300 kilometers from Porbandar in Gujarat to Silchar in Assam. This highway traverses states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, enhancing east-west connectivity across the country. NH27 is vital for the transportation of goods and passengers, linking major industrial hubs and facilitating economic activities.
National Highway 48 (NH48): Delhi to Chennai
National Highway 48 (NH48) connects Delhi to Chennai, covering a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers. This highway passes through key cities such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, making it a critical route for both passenger and freight movement. NH48 is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project, which aims to connect the four major metropolitan cities of India.
National Highway 52 (NH52): Rajasthan to Haryana
National Highway 52 (NH52) runs from Ajmer in Rajasthan to Hisar in Haryana, covering a distance of approximately 1,200 kilometers. This highway serves as an important link between the western and northern regions of India, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers. NH52 passes through cities like Alwar, Rewari, and Bhiwani, contributing to regional economic development.
National Highway 65 (NH65): Pune to Machilipatnam
National Highway 65 (NH65) connects Pune in Maharashtra to Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, covering a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers. This highway passes through cities like Solapur, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada, facilitating interstate travel and trade. NH65 is crucial for the transportation of agricultural products and industrial goods between Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
National Highway 44A (NH44A): Jammu to Srinagar
National Highway 44A (NH44A) is a significant route connecting Jammu to Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir. This highway covers a distance of approximately 300 kilometers and serves as the primary link between the winter and summer capitals of Jammu & Kashmir. NH44A is vital for the movement of people and goods, especially during the tourist season.
National Highway 7 (NH7): Varanasi to Kanyakumari
National Highway 7 (NH7), also known as NH44 before renumbering, was one of the longest highways in India, covering a distance of approximately 3,745 kilometers from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The route has since been integrated into NH44, but its historical significance remains notable.
National Highway 8 (NH8): Delhi to Mumbai
National Highway 8 (NH8), now renumbered as NH48, is a major highway connecting Delhi to Mumbai. Covering a distance of approximately 1,500 kilometers, this highway passes through cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara, serving as a crucial corridor for trade and travel between the national capital and the financial capital of India.
National Highway 16 (NH16): Kolkata to Chennai
National Highway 16 (NH16) connects Kolkata in West Bengal to Chennai in Tamil Nadu, covering a distance of approximately 1,300 kilometers. This highway passes through states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, facilitating coastal connectivity and the movement of goods along the eastern seaboard.
National Highway 44B (NH44B): Jammu to Amritsar
National Highway 44B (NH44B) serves as an important link between Jammu and Amritsar, covering a distance of approximately 200 kilometers. This highway passes through cities like Pathankot and Gurdaspur, enhancing connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab.
Infrastructure Developments and Future Prospects
The Indian government, through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), continues to invest in the development and maintenance of national highways. Initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana aim to enhance the quality and extent of the national highway network, focusing on improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and promoting economic growth. These developments are expected to further bolster the role of national highways in India's transportation infrastructure.
Conclusion
India's national highways are pivotal in connecting diverse regions, promoting economic activities, and facilitating the movement of people and goods. The longest highways, such as NH44, NH27, and NH48, play a crucial role in this network, serving as arteries that bind the nation together. Ongoing infrastructure developments promise to enhance these highways, ensuring they continue to meet the growing demands of the country's transportation needs.
FAQs
Q.1. Which is the longest national highway in India?
National Highway 44 (NH44) is the longest national highway in India, stretching approximately 4,112 kilometers from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
Q.2. How many national highways are there in India?
As of 2025, India has approximately 599 national highways, collectively covering a vast network across the country.
Q.3. What is the Golden Quadrilateral project?
The Golden Quadrilateral project is an initiative to connect the four major metropolitan cities of India—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata—through a network of highways, enhancing connectivity and economic integration.
Q.4. Are there any expressways in India?
Yes, India has several expressways, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, designed for high-speed travel and reduced congestion.
Q.5. How can I travel on these national highways?
Traveling on national highways is accessible by various modes of transport, including personal vehicles, buses, and freight carriers. It's essential to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to ensure safety and smooth travel.
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