Top 5 Busiest Highways in India: A Detailed Guide

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India’s vast and dynamic road network plays a crucial role in economic development and connectivity. With over 140,000 km of national highways, some roads experience extreme congestion due to high traffic volumes, commercial transportation, and urban expansion. This article explores the top five busiest highways in India, highlighting their significance, traffic patterns, and challenges.

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1. National Highway 48 (NH-48) – Mumbai to Delhi

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Overview

NH-48, formerly known as NH-8, is one of India’s most vital roadways, connecting two major metro cities—Mumbai and Delhi. It spans approximately 1,280 km, passing through Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana before reaching the national capital.

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Why It’s Busy?

• Major freight corridor, handling a significant share of India’s goods transport.
• Connects major industrial hubs such as Surat, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Jaipur.
• Heavy passenger vehicle movement, including business travelers and tourists.

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Challenges

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• Frequent traffic bottlenecks in urban stretches.
• High accident rates due to mixed vehicle types (trucks, cars, two-wheelers).
• Ongoing expansion projects to manage congestion.

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2. National Highway 44 (NH-44) – Longest Highway in India

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Overview

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NH-44 is the longest highway in India, stretching from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, covering around 3,745 km. It passes through key states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

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Why It’s Busy?

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• Acts as a backbone for north-south connectivity.
• High volume of trucks and commercial transport due to its vast length.
• Key cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Bengaluru lie along its route.

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Challenges

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• Severe congestion in metro areas.
• Extreme weather conditions in some regions (snowfall in Kashmir, heavy rains in the south).
• Poor road maintenance in certain sections.

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3. National Highway 16 (NH-16) – East Coast Lifeline

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Overview

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NH-16, formerly NH-5, runs along the eastern coast of India, covering 1,711 km from Kolkata in West Bengal to Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It passes through key states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

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Why It’s Busy?

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• Major trade and transport route for eastern and southern India.
• Heavy freight traffic, particularly carrying agricultural and industrial goods.
• High passenger movement between major cities like Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada.

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Challenges

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• Prone to traffic disruptions due to cyclones and heavy monsoons.
• High accident risk due to a mix of fast and slow-moving traffic.
• Urban congestion in cities along the route.

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4. National Highway 19 (NH-19) – Delhi to Kolkata Trade Route

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Overview

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NH-19 (formerly NH-2) connects Delhi to Kolkata, covering 1,269 km and passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It is a key segment of the Golden Quadrilateral project.

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Why It’s Busy?

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• Crucial trade and logistics corridor linking north and east India.
• Significant movement of commercial trucks, carrying goods from industrial zones.
• Heavy intercity traffic between Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Kolkata.

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Challenges

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• Poor road conditions in certain sections, leading to frequent repairs.
• High pollution levels due to vehicle congestion.
• Traffic snarls near major junctions and toll plazas.

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5. National Highway 27 (NH-27) – Longest East-West Corridor

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Overview

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NH-27 is the second-longest highway in India, stretching 3,507 km from Porbandar in Gujarat to Silchar in Assam. It forms a crucial part of the East-West Corridor, connecting major trade and agricultural regions.

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Why It’s Busy?

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• High truck density due to transportation of goods across states.
• Key cities along the route include Rajkot, Udaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Guwahati, and Silchar.
• Serves as a vital route for agricultural and industrial trade.

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Challenges

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• Long stretches with inadequate roadside infrastructure.
• Traffic congestion at state border crossings.
• Seasonal weather challenges, including fog in the north and heavy rains in the east.

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Conclusion

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India’s busiest highways are the backbone of its economy, facilitating trade, transportation, and connectivity. However, they also face significant challenges, including traffic congestion, poor road conditions, high accident rates, and inefficiencies in traffic management. To address these issues, government initiatives, infrastructure expansion, and technology-driven solutions are becoming increasingly crucial.

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This is where Roadvision AI plays a transformative role. As a leading provider of AI-powered road safety and traffic management solutions, Roadvision AI leverages computer vision, machine learning, and real-time data analytics to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and reduce congestion. By deploying AI-driven traffic monitoring systems, automated incident detection, and intelligent analytics, Roadvision AI is helping to create safer, smarter, and more efficient highways across India.

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Additionally, Roadvision AI specializes in pavement condition surveys and road safety audits, enabling authorities to assess and maintain road infrastructure effectively. Through advanced data-driven insights, the company aids in proactive maintenance planning and hazard identification, ensuring smoother and safer roadways for all users.