National highways in India: Fact guide

India has a vast and well-connected network of highways, and National highways form the backbone of the country’s road infrastructure. The National Highways Authority of India(NHAI) manages these highways. The national highways link up significant cities and towns, enabling the efficient transportation of goods and people throughout the nation.

At present, India has a total of approximately 1,42,126 km of national highways, with ongoing projects aiming to expand the network further. The development and maintenance of these highways play a crucial role in boosting the country’s economy, enabling faster transportation of goods and services, and promoting tourism.

See also: NHAI to create around 10,000-km digital highways by FY25

 

National highways in India: Historical background

India’s National Highways have a historical legacy from the 19th century when the British built roads for military purposes. Post-independence, the Indian government took a systematic approach to developing a nationwide network of national highways.

During the 1950s, India began constructing its national highway network by building the first national highways that linked major cities. The National Highways Act was enacted in 1956, assigning the central government the responsibility of creating and maintaining national highways.  The network expanded rapidly over the years, with a focus on improving connectivity between major cities and ports. The 1980s saw a significant push towards developing the Golden Quadrilateral, a network of four-lane highways connecting major metropolitan cities. Today, India has over 1.3 million km of roads.

 

Classification of National Highways in India

National Highways in India are classified based on their direction, starting and ending points and the regions they pass through. The classification is carried out by:

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and
• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Following are the different classifications of National Highways in India:

North-South Corridors

These highways run from the northern region to the southern region of India, length 4,000 km. They are designated with odd numbers and have the prefix “N” for National. Example: NH-7, NH-19, NH-5.

East-West Corridors

These highways run from the eastern region to the western region of India or vice versa with length 3,300 km. They are designated with even numbers and have the prefix ‘N’ for National. Example: NH-14, NH-15, NH-41.

East Coast Road (ECR)

This road runs along the east coast of India, from Chennai to Kanyakumari. It is designated as a combination of SH-49, NH-332A, and NH-32. The total length of the roads is about 777 km, officially known as Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Road.

Golden Quadrilateral (GQ)

A golden quadrilateral links Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, four major metropolitan cities. It is designated as:

• Delhi–Kolkata: NH-44 from Delhi to Agra & NH-19 from Agra to Kolkata
• Delhi–Mumbai–Chennai: NH-48
• Kolkata–Chennai: NH-16 

National highways of the Union Territories

The national highways in the Union Territories of India are designated as:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: NH-4
• Chandigarh: NH-5
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: NH-251, NH-848A, NH-848B
• Delhi: NH-9, NH-44, NH-48, NH-148A, NH-248BB
• Jammu and Kashmir: NH-1, NH-44, NH-144A, NH-244, NH-444, NH-501, NH-701, NH-701A
• Ladakh: NH-1, NH-3, NH-301
• Puducherry: NH-32, NH-332

The NHAI and MoRTH are constantly working towards improving the national highways in India to make them safer, smoother, and more efficient for transporting goods and people.

 

Significance of National highways in India

National Highways play a crucial role in India’s transportation network and economy. Here are some of the significant roles that national highways play in India:

Connectivity

National highways connect the country’s remotest corners, bridging them into the mainstream and promoting regional development. They also provide connectivity to various tourist destinations, enhancing the growth of the tourism industry.

Employment generation

The construction and maintenance of national highways generate employment opportunities for people in construction and allied industries. National highways play a crucial role in employment in the transportation sector, encompassing various job opportunities.

Tourism

National highways are also significant for developing the tourism industry in India. Many popular tourist destinations are located near national highways, providing easy access to these places.

Social development

National highways enhance access to vital services like healthcare and education, particularly in remote regions. They also improve living standards by reducing travel time and expanding market and employment prospects.

Strategic importance

Some national highways have strategic importance due to their proximity to border areas and defence installations. They are essential for the movement of troops and defence equipment.

 

Challenges Faced by National highways in India 

Traffic congestion

National highways in India often face heavy traffic congestion due to a growing number of vehicles, a lack of proper lane discipline, and inadequate road infrastructure, leading to delays and reduced efficiency of transportation.

Lack of proper maintenance

Maintenance of national highways in India is often inadequate, leading to issues such as faded road markings, missing signage, and poorly functioning streetlights, which pose safety risks for motorists.

Encroachment

Encroachment by local businesses, vendors, and residents along national highways in India. It is a common challenge, obstructing the right of way, reducing road width, and increasing traffic congestion.

Limited road safety measures

Indian national highways often lack proper road safety measures like speed breakers, crash barriers, and pedestrian crossings, posing higher risks of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Safety concerns

National highways in India often face safety concerns, including inadequate signage, lack of proper lighting, absence of pedestrian facilities, and poor enforcement of traffic rules, leading to increased accidents and fatalities.

 

FAQs

What is the total length of National Highways in India?

The total length of national highways in India is approximately 1,51,019 kilometres.

What is the significance of National Highways in India?

National Highways in India are crucial for transporting people and goods. They facilitate economic growth, connect major cities and towns, and promote national integration.

Are all National Highways in India tolled?

No, not all national highways in India are tolled. Toll collection depends on the specific stretch of the highway, and some stretches may be toll-free while others may have toll booths.

Can anyone use National Highways in India?

Yes, the highways in India are open to the public, and anyone can use them subject to applicable rules, regulations, and toll charges (if appropriate).

Are there any restrictions on the movement of goods on National Highways in India?

Yes, there may be certain restrictions on the movement of goods on national highways in India, such as weight limits for trucks and restrictions on hazardous or oversized cargo, as per applicable laws and regulations.

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