National Highways play a vital role in the transportation network of India, connecting major cities, towns, and rural areas across the country. These highways are the lifelines of trade and travel, facilitating the movement of goods and people. The National Highway network is managed and maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In this article, we provide a comprehensive list of National Highways in India for 2024, along with important facts, state-wise lengths, and frequently asked questions.
Total Highways and List of National Highways
As of 2024, India has an extensive network of National Highways spanning over 150,000 kilometers. Below is a detailed table listing all the National Highways in India along with their respective lengths and routes:
| Highway Number | Route | Length (km) |
|---|---|---|
| NH 1 | Delhi to Attari | 456 |
| NH 2 | Delhi to Kolkata | 1,465 |
| NH 3 | Agra to Mumbai | 1,196 |
| NH 4 | Thane to Chennai | 1,235 |
| NH 5 | Kolkata to Chennai | 1,533 |
| NH 6 | Hajira to Kolkata | 1,949 |
| NH 7 | Varanasi to Kanyakumari | 2,369 |
| NH 8 | Delhi to Mumbai | 1,428 |
| NH 9 | Pune to Vijayawada | 841 |
| NH 10 | Delhi to Fazilka | 403 |
List of Important National Highways in India
Below is a table listing some of the most important National Highways in India along with their key routes:
| Highway Number | Key Route |
|---|---|
| NH 1 | Delhi to Attari (Amritsar) |
| NH 2 | Delhi to Kolkata (via Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi) |
| NH 7 | Varanasi to Kanyakumari (via Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madurai) |
| NH 8 | Delhi to Mumbai (via Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad) |
| NH 44 | Srinagar to Kanyakumari (longest highway, covering 4,112 km) |
| NH 48 | Delhi to Chennai (via Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore) |
| NH 66 | Panvel to Kanyakumari (via Goa, Mangalore, Kochi) |
| NH 19 | Delhi to Kolkata (via Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi) |
| NH 27 | Porbandar to Silchar (via Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Kanpur, Patna) |
| NH 16 | Kolkata to Chennai (via Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam) |
State-Wise National Highways Length
The following table provides the length of National Highways in various states of India:
| State | Length (km) |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 8,711 |
| Maharashtra | 17,757 |
| Rajasthan | 10,342 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 8,772 |
| Karnataka | 6,768 |
| Gujarat | 7,198 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 4,423 |
| Tamil Nadu | 5,245 |
| West Bengal | 2,909 |
| Odisha | 4,784 |
Facts about National Highways in India
Here are some interesting facts about the National Highways in India:
- The total length of National Highways in India is over 150,000 kilometers.
- NH 44 is the longest National Highway in India, spanning 4,112 kilometers from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
- National Highways constitute about 2% of the total road network in India but carry about 40% of the road traffic.
- National Highways are classified into different categories based on their importance and traffic volume, including primary, secondary, and tertiary highways.
- India’s Golden Quadrilateral is a network of highways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, covering a total distance of 5,846 kilometers.
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India.
- National Highways are identified by a uniform numbering system, where east-west highways have even numbers, and north-south highways have odd numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the total length of National Highways in India?
A: The total length of National Highways in India is over 150,000 kilometers.
Q: Which is the longest National Highway in India?
A: The longest National Highway in India is NH 44, which stretches from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, covering a distance of 4,112 kilometers.
Q: What is the Golden Quadrilateral?
A: The Golden Quadrilateral is a network of highways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, covering a total distance of 5,846 kilometers. It forms a quadrilateral shape on the map of India.
Q: Who is responsible for the maintenance of National Highways in India?
A: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India.
Q: How are National Highways numbered in India?
A: In India, National Highways are numbered using a uniform numbering system where east-west highways have even numbers, and north-south highways have odd numbers.
The National Highways of India are crucial for the country’s connectivity and economic growth. With over 150,000 kilometers of highways, they form the backbone of the transportation network, facilitating trade, travel, and tourism. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the National Highways in India for 2024, including important highways, state-wise lengths, key facts, and frequently asked questions. Understanding the structure and significance of these highways is essential for all citizens and those interested in the development of India’s infrastructure.
Knowledgeable topic for UPSC