NH 48 is a 1744-mile-long motorway running from Delhi to Chennai. One of the longest NH in India, NH 48 is an infrastructural marvel that takes you past some of the country’s most magnificent landmarks. Let’s take a journey along the national highway and learn about the route along the way.
See also: Noida-Greater Noida Expressway: Route and construction details
National Highway 48 (NH 48)
NH 48 is a major Indian national highway that connects Delhi and Chennai. The highway connects seven main Indian states: Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The route also passes through some of the most beautiful areas you should see while driving.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), renumbered the route as NH 48 in 2010 when it renumbered all national roads in the country. Earlier, the Delhi-Mumbai portion of the highway was known as NH 8, while the Mumbai-Chennai segment was known as NH 4.
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NH 48: Exit and entry points
National Highway 48 connects Delhi’s Rao Tula Marg terminus with Chennai’s NH 16 terminal.
NH48: Route map
NH 48: States served by the highway
Delhi
India’s capital city is a magnificent location with a rich combination of art, culture, and modern architecture. Millions of tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the city’s finery, which includes historical landmarks, food, and shopping markets. Among the tourist attractions are the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Agrasen ki Baoli, Lotus Temple, Delhi Haat INA, and Akshardham.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, India’s biggest state by land, is located in Northern India and is known for its sand dunes, colourful folk melodies, and historical forts and palaces. Every year, a large number of visitors visit the state to enjoy activities like sand dunes camping, forts, and shopping at traditional marketplaces. Some of the most important cities to visit in Rajasthan include Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.
Haryana
Haryana, located in the northern region of India, is recognized for its rich history and culture and shares its borders with the capital city on three sides. While the glitter of Gurgaon’s massive skyscrapers and sophisticated nightlife is a pleasure for everybody, the cultural richness exhibited in historical sites, festivals, and colourful events entices visitors.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra nicely displays India’s variety. With a plethora of caverns, golden beaches, and historical landmarks to endless emerald hill stations and a plethora of colourful shrines, the state attracts travellers from all over the world. Maharashtra is well known for its Ajanta and Ellora caves and pilgrimage sites. Maharashtra’s major cities include Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, and Lonavala.
Gujarat
Gujarat, India’s westernmost state, is famous for being Lord Krishna’s magical realm and the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The state is also known for its huge desert, as well as its rich diversity in culture, religion, economics, and ecology. Beaches, animal sanctuaries, temple towns, historical landmarks, hill resorts, and festivals may all be found. Gujarat’s largest cities are Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, and Gandhinagar.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, another cultural jewel in India, is popular with tourists due to its excellent hill stations, stunning beaches, wildlife reserves, and exquisite temples. This southern Indian state is well-known for its capital city, Chennai, which is known as the country’s cultural centre. Here you may learn about Tamil culture, festivals, magnificent beaches, architectural marvels, and the Western Ghats. Kanchipuram, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, and Madurai are all important cities in Tamil Nadu.
Karnataka
Karnataka, home to India’s Western Ghats, is an overlooked location in the country’s southwest. When it comes to India’s diversity, Karnataka has a rich cultural legacy as well as historical attractions. From beaches and architectural wonders to a diverse range of natural wonders and cuisines, Karnataka offers something for everyone. Karnataka’s most populous cities are Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore.
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Comprehensive list of toll plazas along NH 48 by state
National Highway 48 (NH 48) traverses several states from Delhi to Chennai, encompassing numerous toll plazas. Below is a detailed breakdown of these toll plazas organized by state:
Delhi
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| Manesar Toll Plaza | NH 48, Delhi | Millennium City Expressway (MCEPL) |
Haryana
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| Badarpur Faridabad Toll Plaza | NH 48, Haryana | Badarpur Faridabad Tollway Ltd |
| Manesar Toll Plaza | NH 48, Haryana | Millennium City Expressway (MCEPL) |
Rajasthan
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| Shahjahanpur Toll Plaza | NH 48, Rajasthan | Pink City Expressway |
| Daulatpura Toll Plaza | NH 48, Rajasthan | Pink City Expressway |
| Jaipur Plaza | NH 48, Rajasthan | GVK |
| Kishangarh Plaza | NH 48, Rajasthan | GVK |
| Manoharpura Toll Plaza | NH 48, Rajasthan | Pink City Expressway |
Gujarat
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| IRB Boriach | NH 48, Gujarat | IRB |
| IRB Bhagwada | NH 48, Gujarat | IRB |
| IRB Choryasi | NH 48, Gujarat | IRB |
| Ahmedabad Toll Plaza | NH 48, Gujarat | AVBOT (IRB) |
| Ahmedabad (Ring Road) Toll Plaza | NH 48, Gujarat | AVBOT (IRB) |
| Nadiad Toll Plaza | NH 48, Gujarat | AVBOT (IRB) |
| Anand Toll Plaza | NH 48, Gujarat | AVBOT (IRB) |
| Vadodara Toll Plaza | NH 48, Gujarat | AVBOT (IRB) |
Maharashtra
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| Shilphata NH48 Toll Plaza | NH 48, Maharashtra | IRB |
| Shedung NH48 Toll Plaza | NH 48, Maharashtra | IRB |
| Kusgaon NH48 Toll Plaza | NH 48, Maharashtra | IRB |
| Dehuroad NH48 Toll Plaza | NH 48, Maharashtra | IRB |
| IRB Charoti | NH 48, Maharashtra | IRB |
| IRB Khaniwade | NH 48, Maharashtra | IRB |
| Anewadi Toll Plaza | NH 48, Maharashtra | Reliance-PSTRL |
| Khed-Shivapur Toll Plaza | NH 48, Maharashtra | Reliance-PSTRL |
Karnataka
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| Hirebgewadi Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Ashoka Buildcon |
| Kulumepalya Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Jass Tollways |
| Chokkenahalli Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Jass Tollways |
| Plaza 1 @ Km 14+825 | NH 48, Karnataka | Navayuga Bengaluru Tollway Pvt Ltd |
| Nelamangala Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Lanco Devanahalli Tollway Ltd |
| Bellur Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Lanco Devanahalli Tollway Ltd |
| Hoskote Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Lanco Hoskote Tollway Ltd |
| Mulbagal Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | Lanco Hoskote Tollway Ltd |
| Shantigrama Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | L&T |
| Kadabhalli (Kirasave) Toll Plaza | NH 48, Karnataka | L&T |
Tamil Nadu
| Toll Plaza Name | Location | Concessionaire |
| Vaniyambadi Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | L&T Krishnagiri Walajahpet Tollway Limited |
| Pallikonda Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | L&T Krishnagiri Walajahpet Tollway Limited |
| L&T Krishnagiri Thopur Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | L&T |
| Omalur Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | IRB |
| Sriperumbudur Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | NHAI |
| Chennasamudram Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | NHAI |
| Vanagaram Toll Plaza | NH 48, Tamil Nadu | NHAI |
Note: The above information is based on available data and may be subject to change. For the most current and detailed information, please refer to official sources or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
NH 48: Highway lengths and speed limits across states
The length of the NH 48 highway is 2,807 kilometres (1,744 miles). The roadway connects the seven states mentioned above. On NH 48, the maximum speed restriction for automobiles, jeeps, cabs, and taxis is 70 km/h.
NH 48: Notable locations near National Highway 48
Among the well-known sights along National Highway 48 are:
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Navi Mumbai
- Khandala Sunset Point, Lonavla
- Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Pratapgad Fort, Pune
- New Palace, Kolhapur
- Statue of Unity, Gujarat
- Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
- Ellora Caves, Ellora
- Jog Falls, Karnataka
- The Umrao, New Delhi
- Parashar Waterfall, Khoh
- Louisa Point, Matheran
- Asherigad Fort, Khadkawane
- Elphinstone Point, Satara
- Lodwick Point, Mahabaleshwar
- Bhangarh Fort, Bhangarh
- Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur
- Neemrana Fort – Palace, Neemrana
- Brahma Kumaris Peace Park, Mount Abu
- Mastiii Zone – Entertainland, Gurugram
- Shani Dev Mandir, Gurugram
- Campinglamping, Achrol
- Trimandir, Vadodara
NH48 toll charges
Several toll plazas are situated along this extensive NH48 route, each with specific charges based on vehicle type and journey distance.
Toll charges along NH48
Toll fees on NH 48 vary depending on the location and are subject to periodic revisions. For instance, as of June 3, 2024, the Mandva Toll Plaza near the Narmada Bridge in Gujarat implemented a toll increase of approximately 3% to 5%, aligning with nationwide adjustments.
Toll plazas and their charges
Kherki Daula toll plaza, Delhi
- Location: km 42.000 on nh-48 in delhi
- Tollable length: 27.7 km
- Charges (effective from june 3, 2024):
- Car/jeep/van: ₹85 for a single journey; monthly pass at ₹930
- Light commercial vehicle (lcv): ₹120 for a single journey; monthly pass at ₹1,225
- Bus/truck: ₹250 for a single journey; monthly pass at ₹3,675
Bharthan Karjan toll plaza, Gujarat
- Location: km 157.750 on nh-48 in gujarat
- Tollable length: 83.3 km
- Charges (effective from september 23, 2024):
- Car/jeep/van: ₹155 for a single journey; ₹230 for a return journey; monthly pass at ₹5,085
- Lcv: ₹245 for a single journey; ₹370 for a return journey; monthly pass at ₹8,215
- Bus/truck: ₹515 for a single journey; ₹775 for a return journey; monthly pass at ₹17,210
Hebbalu toll plaza, Karnataka
- Stretch: doddasiddavanahally to hadadi (km 189.000 to km 260.000)
- Tollable length: 71 km
- Charges:
- Car/jeep/van: ₹85 for a single journey; monthly pass at ₹1,935
- Lcv: ₹95 for a single journey; monthly pass at ₹3,125
- Bus/truck: ₹195 for a single journey; monthly pass at ₹6,545
Payment methods
To facilitate seamless toll payments, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented FASTag, an electronic toll collection system that utilizes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This system allows for automatic deduction of toll charges as vehicles pass through toll plazas, reducing wait times and enhancing efficiency.
NH 48: Vehicles exempted from toll charges
The following cars are exempt from tolls on National Highway 48:
- President of India
- Vice-President of India
- Prime Minister of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Legislative Council of a State’s Chairman
- Speaker of the Legislative Council of a State
- High Court Chief Justice
- High Court Judge
- Governor of a State
- Chief Minister of a State
- State Minister
- Speaker of the House of People
- Cabinet Minister of the Union
- Judge of Supreme Court
- Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory
- Chief of Staff
- Parliament Member
- Army Vice-Chief of Staff and similar in other services
- State Government Chief Secretary
- Secretary to the Government of India
- Secretary, Council of States
- Secretary, House of People
- Foreign Dignitary on State Visit
- MLA and MLC
- A recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra, the Ashok Chakra, the Maha Vir Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra.
Vehicles Running for Official Purpose:
- Uniformed Central and State Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, and Police
- Ministry of Defence (as defined under the Indian Tolls (Army and Air Force) Act of 1901.
- Executive Magistrate
Utility or Emergency Vehicles:
- Government Organization/NHAI (for construction, inspection, surveys and operations or maintenance of national highways).
- Fire-Fighting Departments
- Mechanical Vehicles (suffering from physical disability)
- Ambulance
- Funeral Van
Fuel stations, EV charging points, and rest areas
National Highway 48 (NH 48) is a vital corridor connecting Delhi to Chennai, spanning approximately 2,807 kilometers. Ensuring the availability of fuel stations, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and rest areas is essential for the convenience and safety of travelers.
Fuel stations
Throughout NH 48, numerous fuel stations operated by major oil companies such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are strategically located to serve motorists. These stations offer petrol, diesel, and in many cases, compressed natural gas (CNG). Travelers can expect to find fuel stations at regular intervals, especially near urban centers and major junctions.
EV Charging points
With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles in India, the development of EV charging infrastructure along NH 48 is gaining momentum. Several initiatives by the government and private sector aim to establish a network of charging stations to support EV users.
While the EV charging infrastructure is expanding, it’s advisable for EV users to plan their journeys carefully. Utilizing apps and websites that provide real-time information on charging station locations and availability can help in efficient trip planning.
Rest areas
Rest areas along NH 48 are designed to provide travelers with essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable journey. These facilities typically include:
- Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained washrooms for public use.
- Food courts: A variety of dining options ranging from local eateries to popular restaurant chains.
- Parking spaces: Designated areas for cars, buses, and trucks to park safely.
- Convenience stores: Shops offering travel essentials, snacks, and beverages.
- First aid centers: Basic medical facilities to address minor health issues.
These rest areas are strategically positioned to offer respite to travelers, ensuring they have access to necessary services throughout their journey.
Construction updates and ongoing maintenance work on NH 48
National Highway 48 (NH 48) is undergoing several construction and maintenance projects to enhance traffic flow and safety. Travelers should be aware of the following updates:
Delhi-Gurugram expressway enhancements
- Stack interchange construction: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing a stack interchange on NH 48 near the Delhi-Gurugram expressway. Initiated in early 2024, the project is on track for completion by June 3, 2024. This development is expected to alleviate congestion for approximately 300,000 daily commuters.
- Flyover and underpass development: A 500-meter section of NH 48 near Shiv Murti has been closed for 90 days starting March 2023 to facilitate the construction of a flyover and two underpasses. These structures will connect the Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Marg and NH 48, respectively. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes during this period.
Delhi-Jaipur highway maintenance
- Maintenance oversight transfer: In response to concerns about the poor condition of the Delhi-Jaipur highway segment of NH 48, NHAI’s Rewari unit assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the 65-kilometer stretch from Kherki Daula to Bawal in March 2023. The focus is on accelerating road overlaying and overall upkeep to improve driving conditions.
- Service road upgrades: NHAI has initiated the overlay of service roads on both sides of the Delhi-Jaipur highway, particularly between the Dharuhera flyover and Masani bridge, to enhance auxiliary routes and reduce main carriageway congestion.
Bengaluru-Chennai expressway integration
- NH 48 widening: As part of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway project, there are plans to extend the expressway to Maduravoyal in Chennai by widening the existing stretch of NH 48. This expansion aims to improve connectivity to the Chennai Port via the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Expressway.
Traveler advisory
Due to these ongoing projects, travellers may experience delays and detours. It’s advisable to:
- Plan ahead: Allocate extra travel time and stay informed about current traffic conditions.
- Use alternative routes: Consider using the Mehrauli-Gurugram Road or the Dwarka Expressway to bypass construction zones.
Stay updated: Regularly check for traffic advisories from local authorities and NHAI for the latest information on road closures and diversions.
NH 48: Considerations for travelling on the route
The following are some pointers to think about while driving on National Highway 48:
- It is crucial to maintain the speed limit. High speed may be handy, but you must slow down as soon as you notice a speed control warning board.
- In changing lanes, always be sure to offer proper signals and watch your speed. While changing lanes on the highway, it is best to leave safe spacing. Because weather conditions are unpredictable, maintaining a sufficient gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you is critical. This will give you ample time to use the brakes if there is fog or severe rain.
- To avoid accidents, always be careful to offer the proper signs to passing cars when driving.
- Always remember not to overtake when driving on the highway. If you do, make sure you understand the pace and mindset of the driver of the car you are attempting to overtake.
- Another key factor to consider when driving on highways is pit stops. Scientific research found that taking brief pauses throughout a lengthy journey helps the driver avoid weariness.
- Because vision decreases at night, it is best to avoid driving on highways at night. Also, the usage of high-beam lighting should be avoided.
- When driving on wet roads or when it is raining excessively, extra measures must be taken.
- The toll-free hotline number for making a complaint is NH 48 Helpline Number 1033.
Industrial and economic significance of NH 48
National Highway 48 (NH 48) is one of the most crucial highways in India, stretching from Delhi to Chennai and passing through seven significant states. This highway plays a pivotal role in boosting industrial growth, trade, and economic development, as it connects key industrial hubs, manufacturing zones, and commercial centres across the country.
Connectivity to major industrial zones
NH 48 serves as the backbone of India’s industrial and commercial network, linking some of the most significant industrial regions, including:
- Delhi NCR: Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Manesar are major industrial and corporate hubs, housing multinational companies, automobile manufacturing plants, and IT parks.
- Rajasthan: Bhiwadi, Neemrana, and Alwar along NH 48 have witnessed industrial expansion, particularly in the automobile, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat serve as key centers for the petrochemical, diamond, and textile industries.
- Maharashtra: Mumbai and Pune are home to major industries, including automobiles, IT, finance, and pharmaceuticals. The highway enables smooth transportation of goods between these cities and ports.
- Karnataka: Bengaluru, a major IT and startup hub, depends on NH 48 for connectivity with Mumbai and Chennai, ensuring efficient supply chain operations.
- Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Coimbatore, and Hosur are well-known for automobile manufacturing, electronics, and textiles, with NH 48 acting as a crucial trade route.
Supporting trade and logistics
NH 48 is a primary freight corridor, facilitating the movement of goods between northern, western, and southern parts of India. Its economic significance is driven by:
- Faster movement of goods: NH 48 reduces transit time for raw materials and finished goods between major industrial regions.
- Access to major ports: It connects to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai), Kandla Port (Gujarat), and Chennai Port, enabling seamless domestic and international trade.
- Connectivity with special economic zones (SEZs): Many SEZs and industrial parks are located along NH 48, boosting exports and attracting foreign investment.
- Growth of e-commerce and warehousing: With the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart, warehouses and distribution centres have been established along NH 48 for quick deliveries across the country.
Impact on employment and economic growth
The economic activity along NH 48 has contributed to significant employment generation in various sectors, including:
- Manufacturing: Automobile, textile, and electronics industries have flourished along this route, providing millions of jobs.
- Logistics and transportation: Trucking, warehousing, and cargo handling have expanded due to the highway’s role as a logistics corridor.
- IT and services sector: With better connectivity, cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai have seen an influx of IT companies and skilled professionals.
- Tourism and hospitality: Improved accessibility has boosted tourism, leading to the growth of hotels, resorts, and food businesses along the highway.
Future infrastructure and expansion projects
Several infrastructure projects are underway to enhance the efficiency of NH 48, including:
- Highway expansion and widening: Ongoing projects aim to widen key sections to six or eight lanes for better traffic management.
- New industrial corridors: The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC) are major projects that will further enhance economic growth along NH 48.
- Integration with expressways: NH 48 is being integrated with expressways like the Dwarka Expressway and Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway to improve trade efficiency.
- Smart highway initiatives: The government is working on smart toll collection, weigh-in-motion sensors, and highway surveillance systems to improve logistics efficiency.
FAQs
Which highway is NH-48?
The National Highway 48 is a highway that runs from Delhi to Chennai.
Is it legal to ride a motorbike on NH 48?
Yes, it is legal to ride a motorbike on NH 48 as it is a national highway meant for public transportation, including two-wheelers. However, it is important to follow all traffic rules and regulations to ensure safety on the road.
Is NH8 now known as NH-48?
Yes. In the year 2010, NH 8 was renumbered as NH 48.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |