India boasts the second-largest road network in the world, trailing only the United States. According to the 2023–2024 annual report released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India’s National Highway (NH) network expanded from 65,569 km in 2004 to 91,287 km in 2014, and further to 1,46,145 km in 2024. However, with each year passing, many of these highways are now grappling with heavy congestion. Here’s a look at some of the busiest highways in India.
6. Mumbai- Pune Expressway
At number six, we have the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. Inaugurated in 2002, it is India’s first operational six-lane expressway. Stretching approximately 94.5 kilometers, it provides a high-speed link between two of Maharashtra’s major cities. It is a vital infrastructure asset that supports daily commutes, freight movement, and regional economic growth. (Image: Shutterstock)
5. Delhi- Meerut Expressway
Next up is National Expressway 3. The Delhi–Meerut Expressway connects the capital with Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut via Dasna in Ghaziabad. Spanning approximately 96 kilometers and featuring 14 lanes, it is one of the widest expressways in the country. This expressway significantly reduces travel time and helps ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region (NCR). (Image: Shutterstock)
4. National Highway 19 (Previously numbered as NH2)
NH19 also makes its entry on our list. Constituting a significant part of the Grand Trunk Road, NH19 is one of the oldest and longest highways in South Asia. Covering a distance of 1,465 kilometers, it connects Delhi to West Bengal and passes through key industrial and urban zones. Its historical significance is matched by its modern utility as a major east-west trade route. (Image: Shutterstock)
3. National Highway 8 (NH8)
It’s no surprise to see this highway on the list—especially for those who have traveled along its route. Now part of NH48, the former NH8 connects New Delhi with Mumbai and is one of the busiest corridors in the subcontinent. Known as the Western Express Highway, it plays a pivotal role in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project, driving trade, development, and infrastructure growth. (Image: Shutterstock)
2. National Highway 48 (NH48)
Taking the second spot is NH48, a vital route in India’s highway network. This major four-lane highway connects the national capital, New Delhi, to Chennai in the south. Along its route, it links several significant urban and industrial centers, including Gurugram, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Kheda. Its strategic importance makes it a backbone of inter-state connectivity and commerce. (Image: Shutterstock)
1. National Highway 44 (NH44)
India’s longest roadway is none other than National Highway 44. It stretches from the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir in the north to the coastal town of Kanniyakumari in the south. This critical transport corridor cuts through the heart of the nation, linking multiple states and enabling the seamless flow of goods and commuters. As one of the country’s busiest routes, NH44 plays a vital role in strengthening national connectivity and fueling economic growth. (Image: Shutterstock)