50 facts about NH44, India
Here are 50 facts about National Highway 44 (NH44), the longest highway in India:
Basic Information
1. NH44 is the longest highway in India, stretching 4,112 km.
2. It runs north to south, covering the entire length of the country.
3. NH44 was formed by merging several older highways, including NH7, NH3, NH26, NH75, and NH16.
4. It is a major part of the North-South Corridor of the Golden Quadrilateral.
5. NH44 connects Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Route and States Covered
6. NH44 passes through 12 states and UTs:
Jammu & Kashmir
Punjab
Haryana
Delhi
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
7. It starts at Srinagar and ends at Kanyakumari.
8. NH44 passes through major cities like Jammu, Jalandhar, Delhi, Gwalior, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Madurai.
9. It is a lifeline for inter-state transportation across India.
10. NH44 connects both the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean.
Economic and Industrial Significance
11. NH44 is crucial for trade and commerce in India.
12. It connects agricultural hubs in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.
13. It plays a role in coal and iron ore transport in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
14. The highway passes through IT hubs like Hyderabad and Bangalore.
15. NH44 helps in port connectivity, linking Chennai, Kochi, and Mumbai ports.
Infrastructure and Construction
16. NH44 is a mix of 4-lane, 6-lane, and even 8-lane sections.
17. It has multiple bypasses and expressway connections.
18. The Delhi-Nagpur Expressway runs parallel to parts of NH44.
19. Many sections of NH44 are toll roads, managed by NHAI.
20. Several flyovers and tunnels improve connectivity, especially in hilly regions.
Tourism and Cultural Importance
21. NH44 connects historical sites like Delhi, Agra, and Hyderabad.
22. It passes near Vaishno Devi, Meenakshi Temple, and Tirupati Temple.
23. It links hill stations like Munnar, Ooty, and Kodaikanal.
24. NH44 passes through forests and wildlife reserves, including Pench and Bandipur.
25. It provides access to coastal destinations like Kanyakumari and Kerala's beaches.
Challenges and Road Safety
26. NH44 faces heavy truck traffic, leading to congestion.
27. Weather conditions affect sections—snowfall in Kashmir and monsoon floods in Tamil Nadu.
28. Landslides occur in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh parts of NH44.
29. Some stretches have poor lighting and road maintenance issues.
30. Accidents and over-speeding are common on high-speed stretches.
Environmental Impact and Green Initiatives
31. NH44 crosses several eco-sensitive zones like the Western Ghats.
32. Wildlife protection measures include animal overpasses in Karnataka and Kerala.
33. Tree plantations along NH44 aim to reduce pollution.
34. Electric vehicle charging stations are planned along NH44.
35. The highway supports renewable energy projects in Tamil Nadu.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
36. NH44 is being expanded to 6 or 8 lanes in several sections.
37. The Delhi-Katra Expressway will reduce congestion on NH44 in Jammu.
38. The Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor runs along NH44.
39. Tunnel projects in Jammu & Kashmir improve year-round connectivity.
40. The government is working on reducing travel time across NH44.
Interesting Facts
41. NH44 is longer than the distance between India and Thailand!
42. It connects four capital cities: Srinagar, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
43. It plays a vital role in defense movements to the northern borders.
44. NH44 was previously known as NH7, which was India’s longest highway before renumbering.
45. It crosses all major Indian rivers, including Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, and Kaveri.
46. The Atal Tunnel on NH44 is India’s longest highway tunnel at 9.02 km.
47. NH44 passes near India’s biggest onion market in Nashik.
48. Parts of NH44 were built during the British era and later upgraded.
49. It serves as a major trucking route, with thousands of trucks using it daily.
50. NH44 is a key part of India’s Bharatmala Project, improving national connectivity.
Conclusion:
NH44 is India’s most important north-south highway, linking the entire country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. It plays a vital role in trade, tourism, defense, and industrial growth.