The longest national highway in India is National Highway 44 (NH 44), which stretches over 3,700 kilometers, connecting Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. This highway not only symbolizes the unity of the country through its extensive reach but also plays a vital role in trade, transport, and defense logistics. Its strategic importance and geographical span make it a key pillar in India’s infrastructure and mobility ecosystem.
India, a land known for its vast geographical diversity and cultural richness, relies heavily on its extensive network of roads to connect its people. Among these roads, national highways are the lifeblood of long-distance travel, freight transport, and interstate commerce.
Longest National Highway in India
In this article, we explore the top 10 longest national highways in India, highlighting their routes, significance, and the role they play in the country’s development.
National Highway 44 (NH 44) – 3,745 km
The longest national highway in India, NH 44 stretches from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, traversing a staggering 11 states and union territories. Originally formed by merging several older highways (NH 7, NH 1, etc.), NH 44 forms the backbone of India’s north-south corridor.
Key States Covered: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Highlights:
- Connects major cities like Delhi, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru
- Vital for defense, tourism, and trade
- Part of the Golden Quadrilateral and North-South Corridor
National Highway 27 (NH 27) – 3,507 km
NH 27 forms the East-West Corridor and is the second-longest national highway in India. It runs from Porbandar in Gujarat to Silchar in Assam, connecting India’s western coast to its northeastern frontier.
Key States Covered: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam
Highlights:
- Supports agricultural and industrial supply chains
- Facilitates trade through critical logistics hubs
- Key route for regional development in the northeast
National Highway 48 (NH 48) – 2,807 km
Connecting Delhi to Chennai, NH 48 is part of the Golden Quadrilateral and one of the busiest routes in India. Previously known as NH 4 and NH 8, this route is vital for movement between northern and southern India.
Key States Covered: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Highlights:
- Connects key metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai
- High-volume commercial and passenger traffic
- Boosts industrial connectivity
National Highway 52 (NH 52) – 2,317 km
NH 52 links Sangrur in Punjab to Ananthapur in Andhra Pradesh, crossing the heart of India and serving both agricultural and industrial regions.
Key States Covered: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Highlights:
- Significant for north-south freight transport
- Connects central India’s key grain and cotton markets
National Highway 30 (NH 30) – 2,040 km
NH 30 runs from Sitarganj in Uttarakhand to Ibrahimpatnam in Andhra Pradesh, providing connectivity through India’s central regions.
Key States Covered: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh
Highlights:
- A major route through mineral-rich states
- Supports industrial development and tribal outreach
National Highway 6 (NH 6) – 1,873 km
NH 6 stretches from Hazira in Gujarat to Kolkata in West Bengal, playing an important role in connecting western and eastern India.
Key States Covered: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal
Highlights:
- Essential for cargo movement to ports
- Important for eastern India’s access to western markets
National Highway 53 (NH 53) – 1,795 km
NH 53 runs between Gujarat and Odisha, overlapping parts of NH 6 and continuing eastward. It is important for intra-state logistics and trade.
Key States Covered: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
Highlights:
- Facilitates trade corridors for eastern coast exports
- Supports connectivity in tribal belts
National Highway 16 (NH 16) – 1,764 km
NH 16 is a key part of the Golden Quadrilateral, running along the eastern coast from Kolkata to Chennai. It connects major coastal cities and ports.
Key States Covered: West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Highlights:
- Major coastal trade and passenger route
- Critical during cyclonic evacuations and disaster response
National Highway 66 (NH 66) – 1,622 km
NH 66, formerly known as NH 17, runs along India’s western coastline from Panvel in Maharashtra to Kanyakumari.
Key States Covered: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Highlights:
- Scenic route known for tourism
- Connects major ports and coastal towns
- Vulnerable to monsoon impacts, requires regular maintenance
National Highway 19 (NH 19) – 1,435 km
NH 19 is a major component of the Golden Quadrilateral, connecting Delhi with Kolkata. It is one of the oldest and busiest national highways.
Key States Covered: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
Highlights:
- Crucial for economic exchanges between north and east India
- Passes through industrial zones and dense population centers
India’s national highway network is more than just a web of roads—it is the foundation of economic growth, national unity, and regional accessibility. The longest national highway in India, NH 44, is a testament to how a single route can weave together the diverse cultural, geographic, and economic fabric of a nation.
Also read: Best Car for Long Drive in India
The remaining highways in the top 10 list each hold unique importance and together form the arterial system that drives India forward. Continued investment, smart planning, and timely maintenance will ensure these roads keep fulfilling their vital role in India’s development journey.
