India’s road network is one of the largest in the world. If you’ve ever taken a long road trip—from the mountains of Jammu & Kashmir to the beaches of Tamil Nadu—you’ve probably traveled on one of the Longest National Highways In India without even realizing it.

Many people search for the longest highway in India out of curiosity. Some want to plan a road trip. Others are preparing for competitive exams. And some simply love learning how India stays connected through its vast road network.

In this updated 2026 guide, you’ll learn:

  • Which is the longest national highway in India
  • The top longest highways and the states they cover
  • Interesting facts about major routes
  • Why these highways matter for travel and trade

Let’s begin with the highway that stretches almost the entire length of India.

What Are National Highways in India?

National Highways (NH) are major roads maintained by the central government. They connect:

  • Big cities
  • State capitals
  • Industrial hubs
  • Ports and border areas

Even though national highways make up only around 2% of India’s total road network, they carry nearly 40% of the country’s traffic. That shows how important they are.

These highways are managed mainly by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Which Is the Longest National Highway in India?

NH 44 – The Longest National Highway in India

The title of the longest national highway in India goes to National Highway 44 (NH 44).

  • Total Length: Approx. 3,745 km
  • Start Point: Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
  • End Point: Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

This highway connects the northernmost part of India to its southern tip. It passes through several states, including:

  • Jammu & Kashmir
  • Punjab
  • Haryana
  • Delhi
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Maharashtra
  • Telangana
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Karnataka
  • Tamil Nadu

If you drive the entire NH 44, you experience almost every type of Indian landscape—snow-covered mountains, plains, forests, and coastal roads.

Top Longest National Highways In India (Updated 2026)

Let’s look at other major highways that are among the longest in India.

1. NH 27 – East to West Connector

  • Length: Around 3,507 km
  • Start: Porbandar (Gujarat)
  • End: Silchar (Assam)

NH 27 connects western India to the northeast. It passes through states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

This highway plays a key role in linking remote northeastern states to the rest of the country.

2. NH 48 – Major Economic Corridor

  • Length: Approx. 2,807 km
  • Start: Delhi
  • End: Chennai

NH 48 connects major business cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

It is one of the busiest highways in India. If you’ve traveled between Delhi and Mumbai by road, chances are you were on NH 48.

3. NH 52 – Central India Stretch

  • Length: Around 2,317 km
  • Start: Punjab
  • End: Karnataka

NH 52 runs across central India and supports both agriculture and industrial transport.

4. NH 30 – Historic and Cultural Route

  • Length: Approx. 2,040 km
  • Start: Uttarakhand
  • End: Andhra Pradesh

This route passes through culturally rich cities like Lucknow and Raipur.

Why Are Long National Highways Important?

The Longest National Highways In India are not just long roads—they are lifelines.

1. Boost to Trade and Economy

Goods move across states through trucks every day. Long highways reduce travel time and fuel costs.

For example:

  • Fruits from Maharashtra reach Delhi faster.
  • Industrial goods from Gujarat move to southern ports easily.

This smooth movement supports business growth.

2. Better Connectivity

These highways connect remote towns to big cities. This helps with:

  • Tourism
  • Medical emergencies
  • Education access
  • Job opportunities

Imagine someone in a small town in Madhya Pradesh needing to travel to Delhi for treatment. Highways make that journey easier and faster.

3. National Integration

When highways connect north to south and east to west, they strengthen national unity. They allow people, culture, and ideas to move freely across states.

Interesting Facts About India’s Longest Highways

Here are some lesser-known insights:

  • NH 44 was formed after the renumbering of highways in 2010–2011.
  • Many long highways are part of the Golden Quadrilateral and Bharatmala projects.
  • Some highways include tunnels and expressway stretches for smoother travel.
  • The Delhi–Mumbai stretch of NH 48 is among the busiest road corridors in India.

Road Trip Experience on NH 44

If you ever plan a long road trip in India, NH 44 offers a unique experience.

You could start from Srinagar, pass through the plains of Punjab, explore Delhi’s urban stretch, drive through central India’s forests, and finally reach the coastal beauty of Kanyakumari.

However, long-distance travel also requires planning:

  • Check vehicle condition
  • Plan fuel stops
  • Track toll plazas
  • Carry emergency supplies

Long highways are smooth, but traffic and weather conditions can vary.

Safety Tips for Long Highway Travel

Since the Longest National Highways In India cover thousands of kilometers, safety becomes crucial.

Here are practical tips:

  • Avoid driving continuously for more than 3–4 hours without a break
  • Follow speed limits strictly
  • Use FASTag for smooth toll payments
  • Keep your vehicle insured and documents updated
  • Avoid night driving in unfamiliar rural stretches

Highways may look empty at times, but sudden cattle crossings or heavy trucks can appear unexpectedly.

Upcoming Developments in 2026

India continues to expand and upgrade its highway network.

Key developments include:

  • Expansion of 4-lane and 6-lane highways
  • Better roadside facilities
  • Electric vehicle charging stations along major corridors
  • Smart traffic monitoring systems

These improvements are making long highway travel safer and faster.

How Are National Highways Numbered?

After 2010, India introduced a new numbering system:

  • Even numbers: East–West highways
  • Odd numbers: North–South highways

For example:

  • NH 44 runs north to south (odd number).
  • NH 27 runs east to west (even number).

This system makes it easier to understand the direction of the highway.

Conclusion

India’s highway network is more than just asphalt and concrete. The Longest National Highways In India connect diverse cultures, support businesses, and make long-distance travel possible. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or transporting goods between states, staying prepared with proper vehicle protection from providers like square insurance adds an extra layer of confidence to every journey.

NH 44 stands as the longest highway, stretching from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. Other long routes like NH 27 and NH 48 also play a major role in linking major cities and economic hubs, helping millions of travelers and busin esses move safely and efficiently across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the longest national highway in India in 2026?

NH 44 is the longest national highway in India, with a length of about 3,745 km.

2. How many states does NH 44 pass through?

NH 44 passes through around 11 states, connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari.

3. Which highway connects east to west India?

NH 27 is one of the longest east–west highways, connecting Gujarat to Assam.

4. Why are national highways important?

They support trade, improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and strengthen the economy.

5. What is the difference between a highway and an expressway?

National highways may have intersections and mixed traffic, while expressways are controlled-access roads designed for high-speed travel.