Which Are the Longest National Highways in India? A Complete 2025 Guide


 India, the world’s seventh-largest country by area, is connected by an expansive network of national highways (NHs) that serve as the backbone of its transportation system. From the snow-covered Himalayas in the north to the lush coastal regions in the south, these highways are not just roads—they’re lifelines that fuel trade, tourism, and development.

As of 2025, India’s highway network spans more than 1,45,000 kilometres, making it one of the largest highway systems in the world, managed primarily by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explore the longest national highways in India, their routes, key destinations, and how they play a crucial role in connecting the country’s diverse regions.

1. Overview of India’s National Highway Network

National highways (NHs) are major arterial roads that connect important cities, ports, industrial hubs, and border areas across India. They are maintained by the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and are designed for long-distance travel and heavy transport.

These roads ensure smooth movement of goods and passengers, significantly contributing to India’s economic growth and logistics efficiency.

As per the 2025 update, India has:

·       Over 600 National Highways

·       A combined length of more than 1.45 lakh km

·       NH 44 being the longest national highway in the country

2. Top 10 Longest National Highways in India (2025)

Let’s take a look at the top 10 longest national highways in India, their routes, lengths, and states they pass through.

Rank

Highway Number

Highway Name/Route

Approx. Length (km)

Key States Covered

1

NH 44

Srinagar (J&K) – Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

3,745 km

J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, MP, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

2

NH 27

Porbandar (Gujarat) – Silchar (Assam)

3,507 km

Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam

3

NH 48

Delhi – Chennai

2,807 km

Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

4

NH 52

Sangrur (Punjab) – Ankola (Karnataka)

2,317 km

Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka

5

NH 30

Sitarganj (Uttarakhand) – Ibrahimpatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

2,040 km

Uttarakhand, UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

6

NH 6

Hajira (Gujarat) – Kolkata (West Bengal)

1,949 km

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal

7

NH 53

Hajira (Gujarat) – Paradip (Odisha)

1,793 km

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha

8

NH 16

Kolkata – Chennai

1,711 km

West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

9

NH 66

Panvel (Maharashtra) – Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

1,622 km

Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

10

NH 19

Delhi – Kolkata (via Agra, Varanasi)

1,435 km

Delhi, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal

3. NH 44 – The Longest National Highway in India

National Highway 44 (NH 44) is the longest national highway in India, stretching approximately 3,745 kilometres.

It connects Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, running across nearly the entire length of the country—from the northernmost tip to the southernmost point.

Key Features of NH 44:

·       Part of the North-South Corridor under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP).

·       Connects major cities like Jammu, Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Madurai.

·       Plays a vital role in trade, tourism, and logistics, linking diverse regions and cultures.

NH 44 symbolizes India’s unity and diversity—connecting the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.

4. NH 27 – The Second Longest Highway

The National Highway 27 (NH 27) runs from Porbandar (Gujarat) on the western coast to Silchar (Assam) in the northeast, spanning 3,507 kilometres.

It forms the East-West Corridor of India and is essential for connecting remote regions of the northeast with the rest of the country.

Highlights of NH 27:

·       Connects 8 major states and several key cities like Rajkot, Lucknow, Patna, and Siliguri.

·       Boosts industrial connectivity across central and eastern India.

·       Acts as a vital route for defence and trade in the northeastern region.

5. NH 48 – Delhi to Chennai Corridor

NH 48, previously part of the old NH 4 and NH 8, connects Delhi to Chennai, covering 2,807 km.
It passes through important commercial centres like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore.

Importance of NH 48:

·       Major part of the Golden Quadrilateral Project.

·       Links the north, west, and south business hubs.

·       Facilitates smooth movement of goods between industrial states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

6. Significance of National Highways in India

India’s National Highways serve as the arteries of economic development. Here’s why they’re vital:

1.     Boost to Trade and Commerce:
Highways enable faster transportation of goods across states, reducing logistics costs.

2.     Supports Tourism:
From Ladakh to Kerala, highways connect major tourist destinations.

3.     Employment Generation:
Highway construction and maintenance create millions of direct and indirect jobs.

4.     Strategic Importance:
Some highways, especially those near borders, play a crucial role in national security.

5.     Improved Road Safety:
Wider lanes, improved signage, and smart surveillance systems enhance safety for travellers.

7. Government Initiatives for Highway Development (2025)

The Government of India continues to invest heavily in improving road infrastructure under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

Key Initiatives:

·       Expansion of NH Network to over 2 lakh km by 2030.

·       Greenfield expressways such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Ganga Expressway.

·       Smart Highways: Use of solar lighting, digital tolling, and real-time traffic management.

·       Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for maintenance and toll operations.

These projects not only shorten travel time but also enhance the country’s connectivity and economic potential.

8. Interesting Facts About Indian National Highways

·       India’s highways carry about 65% of total freight and 80% of passenger traffic.

·       NH 44 is sometimes called the “Backbone of India’s Road Network.”

·       The shortest national highway in India is NH 548, only 5 km long (connecting Kalamboli to NH 66 near Mumbai).

·       Several NHs are now being integrated into Economic Corridors for seamless connectivity.

·       Highways are being equipped with EV charging stations to support India’s electric vehicle revolution.

9. Role of Insurance and Safety on Highways

While national highways are becoming faster and safer, accidents can still occur due to overspeeding, fatigue, or poor weather. Hence, having a valid motor insurance policy is not just mandatory—it’s a necessity.

Comprehensive car or bike insurance from reputed providers like Square Insurance ensures financial protection against:

·       Accidental damage

·       Third-party liability

·       Theft or natural disasters

·       Personal accident cover

Always carry valid insurance, driving licence, and vehicle registration while travelling long distances on highways.

10. Final Thoughts

India’s network of national highways is the lifeline that connects millions of people, businesses, and cultures. Highways like NH 44, NH 27, and NH 48 showcase the country’s progress, diversity, and unity.

As the government continues expanding and modernizing roads under the Bharatmala Project, the future of transportation in India looks brighter than ever.

Whether you’re driving for business or leisure, understanding which are the longest national highways in India helps you appreciate the scale and significance of the country’s infrastructure.

So the next time you hit the road, remember — every kilometre you drive is part of India’s growing story of connectivity and progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. Which is the longest national highway in India in 2025?
The longest national highway in India is NH 44, covering around 3,745 km from Srinagar (J&K) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).

Q.2. How many national highways are there in India in 2025?
As of 2025, India has over 600 national highways managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Q.3. Which highway is known as the East-West Corridor?
NH 27, running from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Silchar (Assam), is known as India’s East-West Corridor.

Q.4. What is the total length of the national highway network in India?
India’s national highway network covers over 1.45 lakh kilometres as of 2025.

Q.5. Which is the shortest national highway in India?
The shortest national highway is NH 548, which is just 5 km long, connecting Kalamboli to NH 66 near Mumbai.

 

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