National Highway 44 : A Guide for Longest Highway in India (2024)

National Highway 44 is not only the longest highway in India but also a character addition to the road map of India. A ride through it offers an experience of diversity at every stop.

Covering the North-South corridor of NHDP (National Highways Development Project), the longest highway in India runs from the apex part of India, Srinagar in the north, and goes down to the base, which is Kanyakumari. The Central Public Works Department and the NHDAI deftly manages the smooth running of the NH 44 highway.

The Length of NH 44 Highway

The NH 44 highway covers a huge distance of 4,112 kilometers, ranging right from the top north to the down south region of India. Meeting the extreme ends of the country, the route has proved to be extremely beneficial for boosting trading routes, enhancing travel and improving businesses.

States Covered by the Longest Highway in India

The largest highway in India came into existence by combining the complete or parts of already functioning national highways.

The highways used in North India are the NH1A in Srinagar, NH1 (that starts from Haryana and Punjab and ends in Delhi), and NH2 that follows the Delhi to Agra route. The Southern Indian highways used to compose the longest roadway in India are NH3 (also known as the Agra-Mumbai Highway), NH75 in Jhansi and NH7 that goes through Nagpur.

NH-44, the longest NH in India, crosses 11 states namely, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The cities connected via India's largest national highway are Nirmal, Kurnool, Adilabad, Mahabubnagar, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kovilpatti, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Salem, Karur, Tirunelveli, and the roadway terminates at Kanyakumari.

Take a look at the NH 44 map in India below.

Source : Maps of India

NH 44 Route Lengths across the States

We know the total length of NH 44 is 4,112 kilometers. Now, let’s see what contributes to the total length of the largest highway in India and the stretch of NH 44 in all the states it passes through.

Satiate the Traveller in You with These Amazing Places on National Highway 44

Now, when you mark your next road trip on the longest national highway in India, stop by at these amazing places to get on an exploring spree.

The Heaven on Earth- Kashmir

If you are traveling through NH 44 from north to south, you begin the way with a place referred to as ‘heaven on earth.’ The snow-covered mountains, peaceful meadows, beautiful lakes, and breathtakingly wonderous landscapes are all that Kashmir has to please your eyes.

And, not just that. Satisfy your food cravings, too, with the authentic Kashmiri dishes like Yakhni Pulao and Rogan Josh. Try to cover the route with an off-roading friendly car as you drive out from this ethereal valley.

Lush and Green India- Ludhiana and Jalandhar

Punjab, the land of the Green Revolution in India is where you enter next, leaving the Kashmiri beauty behind. If you wish to see what the essence of the country is, you surely need to visit Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Lush green farms with sprawling seasonal crops, some white butter with authentic paranthas, a plethora of colours and tradition, and immense peace will be on your plate here.

Experience the Legendary Kurukshetra

If you have heard or seen Mahabharata, the valiant talks of Kurukshetra will surely ring in your ears when you pass through this state of Haryana. Witness the valour of the place reminiscing the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Mark a visit to the Shri Krishna Museum if you are an ardent admirer of historical artifacts. You can also visit Brahma Sarovar which is considered a holy water body by the Hindus.

Agra- A City of One of the Wonders of the World

Well, undoubtedly, the city is famous for its ethereal beauty, the Taj Mahal. This wonder of the world has seen tourists and admirers from around the world. So, now that you pass by Agra through National Highway 44, what’s the harm in stopping by? Surely, you will be mesmerized by the beauty and grandeur of the architecture of the Taj Mahal.

Delve in the Divinity of Mathura

Mathura, the city built on the banks of the holy river Yamuna, will have its mention in almost every description, literature, and documents in Indian mythology. People from all over the world visit Mathura and spend the rest of their lives in the devotion of Shri Krishna. A whole lot of temples, some ancient, some renewed, and some recently built can be your place of visit in Mathura.

The Majestic Fort of Gwalior

If you have a knack for history and the times then lived excite you, you must stop by the city of Gwalior. Witness the grandeur of the Gwalior Fort built hundreds of years ago by the then ruling kings in India. You will not regret this when the grand fort welcomes you to delve into its history.

Serenity in the Ghats of Madhya Pradesh

It is rightly said that sometimes, the roads can be more beautiful than the destination and when you pass through the Seoni ghats in Madhya Pradesh, the feeling will be quite similar. Also, it might remind you of the forest trails of Mogli. If lucky, you might spot some rare sights of wild animals, too.

Life Gives You Oranges in Nagpur

This destination on the longest national highway of India offers a delightful shift from the northern region to the Deccan region of the country. A breeze of fresh air and locally cultivated oranges are a must-try in the city of Nagpur. And if you like savouring some local dishes, do try the Tarri Poha.

It is in the History of Anantapur

From churches to temples, caves to scriptures, you will find it all in Anantapur. The art and carvings of the caves and temples will add a new dimension to your long yet memorable journey on National Highway 44.

Come Down to Madurai

It's not only Mumbai that has an enticing skyline, but Madurai, too, has one along with 14 Gopurams. When in the city, visiting the Meenakshi temple is a must not just because of the serenity it enwraps you in, but the awe and amazement it provides.

Set in at Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari marks the end of the NH 44 route. Here, you can get down to witness the confluence of the three beautiful water bodies- the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal.

But there’s a catch. In Kanyakumari, the confluence will not let these water bodies lose their specific colours and wave patterns, making each of them distinct and the entire combo splendidly mesmerizing. Also, experiencing the sunset in Kanyakumari with some locally made banana chips is nothing less than sheer bliss.

Speed Limit at National Highway 44

As per the notifications issued by the Ministry, the speed limit of cars for national highways is set to 100kmph and for expressways, it is 120kmph. This limit varies for two-wheelers and heavy vehicles like trucks. For two-wheelers, the speed limit for both expressways and highways has been set to 80kmph and for heavy vehicles, it is 100kmph.

List of Top 10 Longest Highways in India

NH44 is not the only national highway that boasts of its length. These national highways flaunt their kilometers, too, matching the superlative.

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