Infrastructure

About Indian National Highway System (NHS)


10, January 2026

India's enormous geography is interconnected by a network of highways, with the National Highway System at its heart. These high-speed highways connect major cities, ports, and tourist areas, contributing significantly to the country's economic development and integration.

In this blog, we'll explore the Indian National Highway System in depth. We'll examine its history, numbering system, and the different kinds of highways you may encounter while traveling.

Whether you're a trucker navigating the Golden Quadrilateral, a road trip enthusiast planning a trip along the gorgeous NH 68, or simply curious about India's infrastructure, this site is for you. Gear up as we explore the highways that keep India moving!

History of Indian National Highway System

India's National Highways were established during British rule for military purposes. After independence, the emphasis switched toward economic development. Milestones include the National Highways Act (1956) and the National Highways Authority of India (1988). The National Highways Development Project (1998) resulted in significant improvements to connectivity between key cities. Today, the network continues to expand to fulfill India's transportation needs.

Who manages the Indian National Highway System?

The administration of India's National Highway system is divided into two parts:

1. Ministry of Road Transportation and Highways (MoRTH)

Overall Policy and Development: This ministry determines the direction of the National Highway System, which includes proposing additional roadways and supervising large construction projects.

2. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

This government organization oversees the day-to-day operations of a significant component of the National Highway System.
They are in charge of building new roadways, maintaining existing ones, and overseeing toll collecting on certain stretches.

Learn more about NHAI on their website: [National Highways Authority of India ON the Government of India]. [nhai.gov.in]

So, while MoRTH provides the groundwork, NHAI takes action on the ground!

Indian National Highway System Category

The Indian National Highway System is classed in two ways by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

East-West Corridors

These routes are assigned odd numbers, which increase from north to south. For example, NH 1 connects Delhi and Srinagar, whereas NH 7 connects Kanyakumari with Varanasi.

North-South Corridors

These routes are assigned in even numbers, which increase from east to west. The longest highway in India, NH 44, stretches from Srinagar to Kanyakumari in a north-south direction.

Indian National Highway System Map

GR Sitara - Hosa Road Bangalore

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State - Wise National Highway System in India

Old National Highway Number

New National Highway Number

Serial No. in NH Act, 1956

States/UTs Through which it Passes

NH 1 A and NH 1 D

NH 1

1

Jammu & Kashmir

NH 1 B

NH 244

144

Jammu & Kashmir

NH 2

NH 19 (Golden Quadrilateral)

63

Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal

NH 2A

NH 519

66

Uttar Pradesh

NH 2B

NH 114

40

West Bengal

NH 3
NH 50

NH 60

188

Maharashtra

NH 223

NH 4

12

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

NH 4 A

NH 748

165

Goa, Karnataka

NH 4 B

NH 348

161

Maharashtra

NH 5
NH 6
NH 60
NH 217

NH 16 (Golden Quadrilateral)

49

Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal

NH 7

NH 135

123

Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh

NH 7 A

NH 138

131

Tamil Nadu

NH 8

NH 48 (Golden Quadrilateral)

157

Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu

NH 8 A

NH 41

139

Gujarat

NH 8 C

NH 147

154

Gujarat

NH 8 D

NH 151

171

Gujarat

NH 9

NH 65

196

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana

NH 11

NH 21

73

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

NH 11 A

NH 148

158

Rajasthan

NH 12

NH 45

336

Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh

NH 18
NH 4

NH 40

136

Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

NH 21
NH 22
NH 95

NH 5

13

Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh,

Punjab

NH 23

NH 320

71

Jharkhand

NH 24

NH 530

102

Uttar Pradesh

NH 30

NH 319

65

Bihar

NH 35

NH 112

37

West Bengal

NH 39

NH 129

98

Assam, Nagaland

NH 47

NH 544

147

Kerala, Tamil Nadu

NH 47 A

NH 966 B

205

Kerala

NH 47 C

NH 966 A

204

Kerala

NH 55

NH 110

34

West Bengal

NH 56

NH 731

110

Uttar Pradesh

NH 79

NH 156

184

Rajasthan

NH 152

NH 127 A

87

Assam

NH 38 & NH 153

NH 315

45

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh

Investment Process of Indian National Highway System

The Indian government mainly funds national highways through the Central Road Fund Act of 2000. The law imposes a cess (tax) on high-speed petrol and diesel, with a portion especially designated for national highway development. Around 57.5% of the tax collected from automobiles is used to build and maintain these routes.

Finally, India's National Highway System is an essential promoter of progress. It brings together people, locations, and economies, promoting trade, tourism, and national solidarity. As the network grows and modernizes, it offers a better future for the country. Indian Highway FASTag makes using these highways even more efficient, allowing seamless toll payments and saving time and fuel. The voyage continues, and the highways leading the way!

Feel free to know about the Palakkad-Kozhikode Greenfield Highway in Kerala.

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Most Frequently Asked Questions?

Indian National Highway System Started In Which Year?

Indian Natonal Highway System was started in 15th April, 1957

Which Is Largest National Highway In India?

NH 44 runs from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, covering the NHDP's North-South Corridor. This is India's longest national roadway.

How many National Highway are there In India?

According to the Ministry of Roads, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH), India has 599 national highways.

Which state has maximum highway?

Maharashtra has the most National Highways among all Indian States.

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