Top 10 Longest National Highways In India – News18

Last Updated:February 28, 2025, 12:31 IST

India is connected throughout the nation via the extensive Indian National Highway System. Here are a few of the top ten longest, showcasing their remarkable itineraries and stretches.

National highways are the backbone of India’s road system, linking different regions of the country. These highways play a crucial role in transportation, trade, and connectivity. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for maintaining and developing these roads, ensuring smooth travel across states.

Here are the ten longest national highways in India:

NH 44 (Old NH 7) – 3,745 km: Srinagar to Kanyakumari
NH 44 is the longest national highway in India, stretching from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Covering 3,745 km, it passes through 11 states, showcasing India’s vast geographical diversity. This highway is vital for trade and travel, linking the country’s northernmost and southernmost points.

NH 27 – 3,507 km: Gujarat to Assam
NH 27 is the second-longest highway in India, running from Porbandar in Gujarat to Silchar in Assam. Covering 3,507 km, it connects several major states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. This highway plays a key role in linking western and eastern India, supporting freight movement and passenger travel.

NH 48 (Old NH 8) – 2,807 km: Delhi to Chennai
NH 48 connects the national capital, Delhi, with Chennai, one of India’s biggest metropolitan cities. Covering 2,807 km, it serves as a crucial route for businesses, tourists, and daily commuters. This highway links several important cities, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru.

NH 52 – 2,317 km: Punjab to Karnataka
NH 52 runs from Sangrur in Punjab to Ankola in Karnataka, covering a distance of 2,317 km. It passes through multiple states, acting as a major north-south corridor for trade and transport. This highway connects important regions in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, improving economic links between northern and southern India.

NH 30 (Old NH 221) – 2,040 km: Uttarakhand to Andhra Pradesh
NH 30 stretches from Sitarganj in Uttarakhand to Ibrahimpatnam in Andhra Pradesh, covering 2,040 km. It plays an essential role in linking northern and southern India, passing through key states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. This highway is widely used for transporting agricultural and industrial goods.

NH 6 – 1,873 km: Meghalaya to Mizoram
NH 6 runs through the northeastern region of India, starting from Jorabat in Meghalaya and ending in Selling, Mizoram. Covering 1,873 km, it connects key cities and remote areas, improving access to trade centres and boosting regional development. This highway is vital for improving road connectivity in the northeast.

NH 53 – 1,781 km: Gujarat to Odisha
NH 53 connects Hajira in Gujarat with Paradip Port in Odisha, covering a total distance of 1,781 km. This highway is significant for transporting goods between western and eastern India, supporting industries and trade hubs along its route. It plays a crucial role in connecting Gujarat’s industrial zones with Odisha’s ports.

NH 16 (Old NH 5) – 1,711 km: West Bengal to Tamil Nadu
NH 16 runs along India’s eastern coast, connecting West Bengal to Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Spanning 1,711 km, it passes through Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, serving as a major transport route for coastal cities. This highway supports industries, tourism, and daily travel along India’s eastern seaboard.

NH 66 (Old NH 17) – 1,622 km: Panvel to Kanyakumari
NH 66 begins in Panvel, Maharashtra, and extends to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, covering 1,622 km. Running along India’s western coastline, this highway connects several important cities like Goa, Mangalore, and Kochi. It is widely used for tourism, trade, and daily travel in the coastal regions.

NH 19 (Old NH 20) – 1,435 km: Delhi to Kolkata
NH 19 connects the capital city, Delhi, to Kolkata, covering a distance of 1,435 km. It is one of India’s busiest highways, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This route is crucial for freight transport and passenger movement between northern and eastern India.