The National Highway-7 (NH7) is a crucial road network connecting Fazilka in Punjab to Mana in Uttarakhand, stretching over a distance of approximately 845 km. This highway passes through Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, connecting several important cities and towns. The NH7 is one of the longest national highways in India and plays a significant role in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
See also: NH5: Connecting Punjab to Shipki La
NH7: Significance
The NH7 has been upgraded multiple times over the years to meet the growing traffic demands. The national highway was built and is maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). It was previously known as NH58 and connected several Hindu pilgrimage centres in Chamoli, Joshimath, Badrinath, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Rishikesh as well as Dehradun and Chandigarh. The road is frequently used by pilgrims travelling to Sri Hemkunt Sahib, which lies on the NH7 between Joshimath and Badrinath. The upper Himalayas, through which this highway passes, are covered in snow from December through March, making the road impassable. However, during the rest of the year, the NH7 offers a scenic and convenient route to Mana Pass, near the India-Tibetan border.
NH7: Route and connectivity
The National Highway-7 traverses through several states in India. Beginning at the India-Pakistan Border in Punjab, it passes through Barnala, Sangrur, Patiala, Rajpura, Banur, Fazilka, Abohar, Malout, Giddarbaha, Bathinda, Rampura Phul and Zirakpur before reaching the Haryana border.
In Haryana, the highway connects Panchkula, Shahzadpur and Naraingarh. It then enters Himachal Pradesh and links Kala Amb with Paonta Sahib. Finally, the NH7 connects several major Uttarakhand towns, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli, Badrinath and Mana, at the Indo/Tibet border.
FAQs
What is the significance of National Highway-7?
The NH7 is one of the longest national highways in India. It plays a significant role in the country's transportation infrastructure, connects important Hindu pilgrimage centres, facilitates trade and commerce and provides a convenient route to Mana Pass near the India-Tibetan border.
Which government agency maintains National Highway-7?
The CPWD maintains the National Highway-7. The road was previously known as NH58 and was upgraded over the years to meet the growing traffic demands of the country.
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