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National Highway 44 starts in Srinagar, Kashmir, and ends in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
NH-44 offers a complete journey across India.
Over the past decade, India has transitioned from building highways to constructing expressways. Among these, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a significant infrastructure project. However, in terms of length, it falls short compared to one of India’s oldest highways. Let’s talk about a national highway that can rightly be called the backbone of the country’s road network. Not only is it the longest highway in India, but it also passes through the highest number of states.
In simpler terms, NH-44 offers a complete journey across India, stretching from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. Along its 4,112-kilometer route, travellers can experience rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and the sea. Here’s an in-depth look at this iconic highway.
National Highway 44 starts in Srinagar, Kashmir, and ends in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. Previously known as NH-7, it spans approximately 4,112 kilometres. Beginning amidst snow-capped mountains and waterfalls in Kashmir, the highway transitions to the mustard fields of Punjab, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Passing through Haryana and Delhi, NH-44 enters Uttar Pradesh, followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, showcasing diverse landscapes. After Maharashtra, the highway moves through the coastal regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, crosses lush forests in Karnataka, and finally concludes at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
NH-44 wasn’t built as a single project but was formed by merging seven major national highways: NH1A, NH1, NH2, NH3, NH75, NH26, and NH7. This merger resulted in the creation of India’s first North-South Corridor, enhancing public transport and boosting the economic opportunities for populations residing along its route.
NH-44 is not only India’s longest highway but also the 22nd longest highway in the world. Its length is four times that of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which spans 1,350 kilometres.
NH-44 truly stands as a testament to India’s vast and diverse landscape, connecting the northernmost part of the country to its southern tip.