You Can Experience Mountains, Ice, Sea, And Desert All At Once On This Road! – News18

Last Updated:April 02, 2025, 11:24 IST

This national highway in India, starting from Srinagar and ending in Kanyakumari, spans 4,112 km and covers 11 states. It offers diverse landscapes including mountains, ice, sea, rivers, and deserts

There exists a national highway in India with a route that is quite extraordinary. Along this highway, you can encounter mountains, ice, sea, rivers, and desert landscapes all in one journey. This may sound astonishing, but it is indeed true. It is not only the longest highway in India but also the one that crosses the most states. It can truly be considered the backbone of the nation’s road network.

Exploring National Highway 44

Previously known as National Highway 7, this route has now been re-designated as National Highway 44. Beginning in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, this smooth asphalt road traverses through 11 states, ultimately reaching the southern tip of India at Kanyakumari.

NH-44 was not constructed as a single project; instead, it was formed by combining seven major national highways: NH1A, NH1, NH2, NH3, NH75, NH26, and NH7. This consolidation led to the establishment of India’s first North-South Corridor, improving public transportation and creating new economic opportunities for population residing along its path.

States Covered By The National Highway

Travelling from Srinagar, you will pass through Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The highway stretches over 4,112 kilometres. It connects numerous notable cities including Jammu, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Panipat, Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kurnool, Salem, and Madurai. This extensive route links the northern and southern parts of India.

Elevated Stretch Of NH 44 Through Pench Tiger Reserve

This highway passes through the buffer zone of the Pench Tiger Reserve in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. Careful planning has ensured that the construction of the highway does not disturb the local wildlife.

During its construction, various departments expressed concerns about the impact on wildlife. After a comprehensive review, the Forest Department, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and Pench Tiger Reserve recommended to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to create an animal underpass to facilitate wildlife movement.

As a result, a 4-meter-high steel barrier was erected, complete with sound barriers and headlight reducers, along with an underpass beneath the 21.69 km elevated four-lane road that crosses the forest area.

Importance Of NH 44

NH 44 is vital for trade and travel, linking the country’s northernmost and southernmost points. Stretching across 11 Indian states, this national highway improves connectivity, shortens travel time, and boosts transportation efficiency, making it vital for both personal and business travel. By linking major industrial and agricultural centers, the highway fosters trade and commerce, driving economic growth, job creation, and development in the areas it passes through.

By traversing this highway, one can observe many historical sites, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of different regions across the country. Such a variety is seldom seen on a single national highway.