NH 44: Longest Road in India - A Trip Down the Longest Road

Longest Road in India: Overview

In a country where every 50 kilometers, the dialect changes, the journey through the Longest Road in India or the longest highway in India is nothing short of an experience of a lifetime. Strap yourself to your seats to be blown away by the diversity of the country that one is going to witness by traveling on the NH 44 highway start and end from Srinagar to Kanyakumari Longest Road in India. The whole journey is nothing short of a spectacle.

The roadways in India are literally the lifeline of transportation, be it goods or people. With almost 70% of India living in rural India, right from bullock carts to buses and trucks are something that one would come across while traveling the length and breadth of the country. The driving force behind India’s robust growth is its network of roads that connect us in a unique way.

Do you know that NH 44 is the longest national highway in India. How about getting a deep knowledge of the total number of highways that are present in India? Then, just sit tight on your seat as we start our exploration into the highways of India.

Longest Road in India Map

The Longest Road in India

Of the numerous highways in India, the title of the longest road goes to the NH44 highway. When you just think of the serene beauty that one would just have a view of while passing through the entire road. You just cannot miss the jaw-dropping landscapes that are the USP of this highway.

From the snow-clad roads of Srinagar to the sound of the ocean crashing against the rock at Kanyakumari, NH44 highway has the Longest road in India in km covering a total distance of around 3745 Kilometers, the whole NH 44 length connects the north of the country to the extreme south. So, it is very important to connect the wheat of the north and the rice of the south from the rest of the country. The total national highways in India are then used to distribute the products to each nook and corner of the country.

The longest highway in India, NH 44 Route, goes through most of the strategic places which are a main source of contributing to our GDP. From Srinagar to the fabulous Agra and divine Mathura, it comes through the western Ghats of Madhya Pradesh, the orange city of Nagpur, and finally, the abode of Meenakshi temple at Madurai before ending at Kanyakumari.

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NH 44 Highway: An Artery of Connectivity

Of all the Highways in India, NH44 Route or grand trunk road which is the longest road in India & the most important of all. It is not only a support system for the transport of agricultural products and industrial output to the rest of the country. As India is surrounded by sea from three sides, this highway works as an expediting platform for sending relief material in case of any natural calamities.

The route through which the longest highway in India passes has historical relevance. The magnificent forts that are present in Madhya Pradesh are said to add to the grandeur of the national highway.

NH44 is said to have transformed the whole country by being the connector between the farmers to reach their procurement to the end user. Also, it is the connector for divine intervention as it goes through Madurai and Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

NH 44 Passes Through How Many States?

NH 44 Route, the longest national highway in India, traverses a total of 11 states (as of 2023).

Here’s a breakdown of the states NH 44 passes through:

• Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory)
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Delhi (Union Territory)
• Uttar Pradesh
• Rajasthan
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu

Top 10 Longest Road in India

India has the second-largest road network in the world. The National Highways, which make up only 1.8% of all Indian roads, carry about 40% of the country’s road traffic. Here are the top 10 longest roads in India:

Rank	Highway Name	Start & End Points	Distance (km)	Nicknames	Interesting Facts
1	NH 44 (Previously NH 7)	Srinagar, J&K – Kanyakumari, TN	3,745	Grand Trunk Road	Crosses the entire country, North to South
2	NH 27	Porbandar, Gujarat – Silchar, Assam	3,507	Trans-India Highway	Connects West coast to Northeast India
3	NH 48 (Previously NH 8)	Delhi – Chennai	2,807	Delhi-Chennai National Highway	Major artery for North-South travel
4	NH 52	Sangrur, Punjab – Ibrahimpatnam, AP	2,317		Crucial link for North & East India
5	NH 30 (Previously NH 221)	Sitarganj, Uttarakhand – Ibrahimpatnam, AP	2,040	Deoria Bypass-NH 6 Connecting Road	Less crowded compared to others
6	NH 6	Jorabat, Meghalaya – Selling, Mizoram	1,873	East-West Corridor	Connects Northeastern states
7	NH 53	Hazira, Gujarat – Pradip Port, Odisha	1,781	Surat-Hazira Road	Important for transportation to ports
8	NH 16 (Previously NH 5)	Kolkata, WB – Chennai, TN	1,711	Chennai-Kolkata Highway	Major route on the East Coast
9	NH 66 (Previously NH 17)	Panvel, Maharashtra – Kanyakumari, TN	1,622	Mumbai-Goa-Kerala Highway	Scenic highway, popular for road trips
10	NH 19	Delhi – Amritsar	1,435	Delhi-Amritsar Highway	Connects Delhi to the holy city of Amritsar

Total National Highways in India

India boasts 599 highways, which include both state and National highways. This is the astounding total number of highways that the nation has, and is ever-expanding. The Indian Government has made its mission to make the national highways act as an advantage to India and help it in its aim for global domination.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is at the epicenter of the whole mission of the Government to modernize the national highways. Its main objective is to maintain the national highways and expand the national highways for better movement of vehicles throughout the country. The NHAI was set up by a special Act through the Parliament of India in 1988, and it is working day and night to keep our highways safe.

These national highways are the base of the pyramid on which the Indian economy stands. As almost 70% of India’s population stays in villages and their main source of income is agriculture, the national highways help the farmers take their stock for sale at the nearest markets. National highways are a lifeline for transport, which cannot be questioned.

Longest National Highway in India 2023

Ever dreamt of a road trip that traverses an entire country? Well, in India, that dream can become a reality! As of 2023, the title of longest national highway in India 2023 (and the longest road in India) belongs to the mighty NH 44, also known historically as NH 7. This incredible highway stretches an impressive 3,745 kilometers (2,327 miles), making it a true champion in terms of distance.

NH 44 Route, nicknamed the “Grand Trunk Road,” which is the longest road in India cuts like a ribbon across the heart of India. Imagine starting your journey amidst the majestic Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, with snow-capped peaks as your companions. As you travel southward, the landscape transforms, revealing vibrant cities, rolling plains, and finally, the sun-drenched beaches of Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India.

Here’s what makes NH 44 Route so special:

• A Cross-Country Adventure: This highway allows you to experience the incredible diversity of India, from the rich cultural heritage of the north to the laid-back beaches of the south. It’s a road trip unlike any other!
  
• A Historical Trail: NH 44 boasts a long and fascinating history, dating back centuries. It served as a vital trade route during ancient times and continues to be a crucial artery for transportation today.
  
• A Road Trip Paradise: NH 44 is a dream come true for road trip enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and delicious local food options along the way, it promises an unforgettable adventure.

Important Note

While NH 44 Route reigns supreme in terms of national highways, it’s worth mentioning that India also has a growing network of expressways. These are typically high-speed, controlled-access roads designed for long-distance travel. Currently, the title of longest expressway in India goes to the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, but with India’s infrastructure development continuing at a rapid pace, this may change in the future.

NH 44 (Grand Trunk Road) is the Longest Road in India & it’s more than just a road, it’s a journey that allows you to discover the true essence of India. So, pack your bags, hit the gas, and get ready to conquer the longest national highway in India!

NH 44 Length: The Incredible Journey of Thousands of Kilometers

Now, let’s take a closer look at the details of NH 44 Route. It is 4112 kilometers long and passes through 12 states. Now, that is something we don’t see every day. Going through most of the important states of the country, it has its own place in the geography of the country.

If we are to compare our very own NH44 highways with other major highways worldwide, the first one that comes to notice is US Route 20. It covers a total of 3365 miles, which is 5415 kilometers long. and it starts in Boston and runs through more than a dozen states till Newport in Oregon.

Understand that NH 44 strategically connects the north to the south of the country. The highway bridges the gap between the different food habits of both extremes

Shortest National Highway in India

India’s vast network of national highways connects cities, towns, and villages across the country. But not all highways are created equal! While some stretch for hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, others serve a vital purpose in a much more compact way. Let’s zoom in on the title holders for the shortest national highways in India.

There’s actually a bit of a tie for the title of the shortest national highway! Here are the two contenders:

1. NH 548 (Maharashtra)

This tiny titan clocks in at a length of only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). It traverses the state of Maharashtra, acting as a spur (short branch) connecting with the larger NH 48. Despite its short distance, NH 548 plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of people and goods within the region.

2. NH 118 (Jharkhand)

Located in the state of Jharkhand, NH 118 also boasts a length of just 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). It connects the towns of Asanbani and Jamshedpur, serving as a vital link for local traffic and commerce.

While these highways may not be record breakers in terms of distance, they are nonetheless significant for the areas they serve. They demonstrate how even a short stretch of road can play a big role in connecting communities and supporting economic activity.

Here are some interesting facts about short national highways:

• Efficiency Matters: These short highways prioritize efficient movement within a specific region, often connecting major industrial areas or towns.
• Hidden Gems: Sometimes, these short stretches might lead to hidden gems or lesser-known tourist destinations.
• Part of a Bigger Network: These short highways often act as connectors to larger national highways, forming a vital part of the overall transportation network.

So, next time you’re on a road trip in India, keep an eye out for these short national highways! They may be small in stature, but they hold a big significance in the grand scheme of things.

Economic Impact of Highways

National highways in India are a major contributor to the overall growth of the country. It is not just a major contributor to the transportation of all kinds of goods, which is the base of the Indian economy, but it also connects to major tourist destinations.

With NHAI going into an ultra mode for developing highways, it is a major organization that is always hiring for its ongoing projects. It also allows for smooth facilitation for the purpose of trade and industry.

If one looks at the Western Expressway or the Yamuna Expressway, it has shortened the travel time between major cities by almost half. Connecting has become so much easier with the major expressways, and with the widening of the highways with not just 6 but even 8-lane highways, traveling long distances is a piece of cake now.

Road Infrastructure in India

Suppose one looks at the way the roadways have transitioned from the time of independence to the present day. In that case, it has come a long way from the basic roads made from soil or mud to the modern-day roads which can challenge any modern nation when it comes to infrastructure development.

The transition from the traditional to the modern look of Indian highways has not been an easy ride. There have been hurdles faced by the nation when it came to building proper highways. The traditional roads have given way to the north-south and east-west corridors.

Today, asphalt is a major ingredient in making proper roads. Recycled asphalt, warm mix asphalt, and cold mix asphalt are some ingredients that are making Indian roads even more dependable. One other factor that is an advantage over previous traditional methods is the use of nanotechnology and self-healing material that gives the longevity of the road.

Transportation in India: Beyond the Highway

Let’s just look beyond the roads and explore the big picture of how we move around in India. Our country’s transportation system involves more than just roads; it constitutes a complete interconnected system. Highways are just a part of the whole transportation system. The other factor which is almost as important as the highways is the railway network. The Indian railway network is the largest in the world. There are also the ports and the airports not to miss out on.

For distance travel and international transportation, trains and planes are more efficient modes of transport. Trains can carry the much higher weight of goods and travel at a faster pace than if traveled by road. The roads provide support to air and rail transportation by delivering goods to the nearest railway station or airport.

The unique integrated transport system collaborates between air, train, and road travel by highways, ensuring goods reach their destination as quickly as possible by utilizing the fastest means of travel.

Regional Connectivity through Roads

The national highways of India are a connector between different regions of India. The Northeast of the country is one such region where the national highways play a vital role in supplying goods from across the country.

The highways in India have the responsibility of connecting with the most remote and underdeveloped areas of the country. The government will ensure that it connects every village in the country through a network of highways.

The highways bridge the vast differences in cultures across the country as tourists and people from other parts of the country visit tourist locations. This results in an exchange of cultures, bringing together a unique mix of many cultures in one place.

Road Maintenance Challenges

It is very important to take care of our vast network of roads in India. It’s like watching over a giant puzzle with lots of pieces. Maintaining all the roads is a humungous task. Reaching the most remote areas and repairing roads there should be of utmost priority.

The Smart City Initiative of the Government of India has brought new challenges for the NHAI. It has broadened the horizon for the development and upliftment of tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This is just the beginning of the progress of the country into a developed nation.

Due to technological development, smart strategies have been initiated to keep our roads in good shape. Proper checking of the condition of roads on a regular basis is the need of the hour.

The Future of India’s Roadways

The Indian Government has launched many projects to expand the network of roads and to upgrade the quality of roads in rural areas. Smart cities that are planned in a way to evade the present complications are already underway.

More than 25 smart cities are currently under development, with efforts underway to uplift tier-2 and tier-3 cities and bring them on par with the country’s top cities

So, the future of India’s roads is all about going green, getting smarter, and making travel even better. Cheers to a fantastic road ahead, and we literally mean it.

Conclusion: Celebrating India’s Roadways 

We’ve discovered how the Longest Road in India connect us, create jobs, and boost our economy. It’s like they’re the silent heroes of our nation’s growth. Roads literally take the nation forward.

To Conclude, No nation can progress until its roads allow them to do so. The condition of the roads of a nation depicts the status of the nation in the world forum.

Also Read :-

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The Longest Train Route in India: Explore the Journey

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