Whether you're driving between two states or traveling within your own region, you’ve probably noticed signboards on the roads marked NH or SH. These abbreviations stand for National Highways and State Highways — two crucial parts of India’s transport network that keep people, goods, and businesses moving each day. Every day, millions of vehicles travel across highways that connect states, cities, industries, and villages. Among these, National Highways and State Highways play distinct yet equally important roles, but what exactly sets them apart?
What are National Highways in India?
National Highways (NH) are major roads connecting important cities, ports, capitals, industrial regions, and strategic locations across different states. These highways form the backbone of long-distance travel and interstate transportation in India.
They are developed, maintained, and managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the supervision of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Key Features of National Highways
- Connecting multiple states and major cities
- Enable interstate trading and transportation of goods
- Funded and maintained by the Central Government
- Best for high-speed, long-distance travel
- Usually, having wider roads with multiple lanes and better infrastructure
What are State Highways in India?
State Highways (SH) are roads that connect important cities, district headquarters, and towns within a particular state. They serve as feeder routes that link local regions to National Highways. State Highways are constructed and maintained by the respective State Public Works Departments (PWDs).
Key Features of State Highways
- Connecting districts and key towns within a state
- Managed by State Governments
- Supporting regional transportation and economic activity
- Typically smaller than National Highways
- Link rural and semi-urban areas to major highways
Example
Maharashtra State Highway routes connect district cities like Nashik, Kolhapur, and smaller towns.
How to Identify National and State Highways?
National Highways: Starts with NH numbers (e.g., NH48, NH19) on green signboards.
State Highways: Starts with SH numbers specific to each state.
Navigation apps like Google Maps also display highway classifications during route planning.
Difference Between National Highways and State Highways
|
Basis |
National Highway (NH) |
State Highway (SH) |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
National highways connect state capitals, major industrial cities, and harbors. |
State highways connect state capitals with districts and towns within the state. |
|
Speed Limit |
The maximum speed on national highways is 80 to 100 kmph. |
The maximum speed on state highways is approx 60 to 80 kmph. |
|
Construction and Maintenance |
Constructed and maintained by the central government. |
Constructed and maintained by the state government. |
|
Milestones |
The milestones on national highways are usually painted in yellow and white with the NH number. |
The milestones on state highways are painted in green and white with the SH number. |
|
Examples |
NH44 is the longest highway, running between Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. |
The central road connecting Mysore and Bangalore is a state highway. |
Recent Developments in India’s Highway Network
India has been rapidly expanding and modernising the road infrastructure through these initiatives, such as:
- Expressway development projects
- Smart tolling systems (FASTag)
- Economic corridor expansion
- Improved rural connectivity programs
Bottom Line
The difference between State Highways and National Highways lies mainly in their connectivity, governing authority, and purpose. While National Highways act as the backbone of interstate transportation and economic movement, on the other hand, state highways ensure smooth regional connectivity within states. Together, both the highways are creating a well-integrated road network that supports India’s growth, mobility, and development — making travel and transportation more efficient for everyone.
FAQs on State and National Highways
What is the total length of National Highways in India?
India has the second-largest road network, and its National Highways span a total length of 146,195 km, forming the primary arterial network of the country.
Who maintains National Highways?
National Highways are primarily developed and maintained under the supervision of the Central Government through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
How many Indian national highways are there?
According to the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH), there are 599 National Highways in India.
Does the expressway come under the National Highway?
No, not all expressways are National Highways. Only certain expressways are included within the National Highway network. The main difference lies in their design and access control — expressways have restricted entry and exit points to enable high-speed travel, whereas National Highways are major inter-state routes that may allow more local access.
Which is bigger? National Highway (NH) or State Highway (SH)?
National Highways are generally wider and bigger than State Highways. They connect multiple states and carry heavy long-distance traffic; on the other hand, State Highways mainly connect cities and districts within a single state.
