Guide to National Highway 48, Running from Delhi to Chennai

India has been working on its road infrastructure to make things convenient and easier for travelers to commute. Among the many highways that the country has, National Highway 48 – NH 48 covers a distance of 2807 km (1744 miles). The NH 48 highway infrastructure that connects the two major cities of the country Delhi and Chennai is excellent.

NH 48 Route

The National Highway of India, National Highway 48 (NH 48) starts at Delhi and ends at Chennai passing through seven Indian states. Among the states that NH 48 covers are,

• Delhi
• Rajasthan
• Haryana
• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu

Some of the most untouched locations are covered by this national highway. Before the national highways were renumbered in 2010, the Delhi to Mumbai stretch was named NH 8 and the Mumbai and Chennai stretch was named NH 4. At the time when the NHAI or the National Highways Authority of India changed the number of national highways in the country, NH 48 was named in 2012.

NH 48 Map

Entry and Exit Points NH 48

National Highway 48 starting point is the Terminal at Delhi – Rao Tula Marg and ends at NH 16 terminal close to Chennai.

Here are the states under NH 48

Delhi

Delhi is our country’s capital where tourists flock every year. Delhi is a perfect place where you can find historic architecture, monuments, great street food, and also luxurious restaurants. The capital city has a blend of age-old history and modernization. It is also a shopping hub of our country.

Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India near Delhi which is popular for its huge skyscrapers. Gurgaon in Haryana is known for its IT sector and its happening nightlife. The culture of this place is also worth exploring which is marked by its vibrant festivals, and historical places which attract many travelers.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a diverse state of India that has some historic destinations and beautiful hill stations. Tourists often visit this state for its well-known destinations like Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Lonavla, etc. The state also has the famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora.

Gujarat

Gujarat is known for its nature, desert, religion, festivals, culture, and economy. The state has historical monuments, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, etc. Some of the prominent cities in Gujarat are Surat, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, etc.

Rajasthan

It is a state in northern India that is famous for its deserts, palaces, forts, etc. Beautiful destinations like Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer are major tourist attractions in Rajasthan.

Karnataka

Karnataka is a beautiful destination situated in the southwestern part of India. The important cities in the state are Mysore, Mangalore, and Bangalore which attract a lot of travelers from different locations. It is a beautiful state with pristine beaches, architectural marvels, and drool-worthy cuisines.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state in Southern India that is known for its culture, marvelous temples, festivals, beautiful beaches, the Western Ghats, etc. The capital city of the state is Chennai which attracts tourists from all around the world. NH 48 helps these travelers to reach the place in a hassle-free manner.

Famous tourist places to visit near National Highway 48

• Khandala Sunset Point, Lonavla
• Louisa Point, Matheran
• Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Navi Mumbai
• Elphinstone Point, Satara
• Lodwick Point, Mahabaleshwar
• Pratapgad Fort, Pune
• Bhangarh Fort, Bhangarh
• Mahalaxmi Temple, Therunde
• Ellora Caves, Ellora
• Asherigad Fort, Khadkawane
• Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
• Statue of Unity, Gujarat
• New Palace, Kolhapur
• Jog Falls, Karnataka
• Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
• Brahmakumaris Peace Park, Mount Abu
• Mastii Zone – Entertainland, Gurugram
• Trimandir, Vadodara

National Highway 48 speed limit

On NH 48, the maximum speed limit for cabs, cars, taxis, and jeeps is 70 km per hour.

Here is the List of Vehicles Exempted from Toll Taxes on NH 48 (National Highway 48):

• President of India
• Prime Minister of India
• Vice-President of India
• Chief Justice of India
• Governor of a State
• Chief Minister of a State
• Speaker of the House of People
• Cabinet Minister of the Union
• State Minister
• Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory
• Judge of Supreme Court
• Chief of Staff
• Chairman of the Legislative Council of a State
• Speaker of the Legislative Council of a State
• Parliament Member
• High Court Judge
• High Court Chief Justice
• State Government Chief Secretary
• Secretary to the Government of India
• Secretary, House of People
• Secretary, Council of States
• MLA and MLC
• Ashok Chakra, Param Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and Vir Chakra awardees
• Foreign Dignitary on State Visit
• Vehicles Operating for Official Purpose
• Emergency Vehicles or utility vehicles like funeral vans, ambulances, Government organizations, Fire-Fighting Departments

On March 2023 NH 48 faced Temporary Closure

As part of the Dwarka Expressway project which is being constructed to ease the traffic in the capital city, Delhi, a Multi-Level Interchange Facility has been proposed on NH 48.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been working on the stack interchange on the NH-48. On 14 March 2023, for 90 days the traffic had been diverted between Rangpuri and Rajokri on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway for the construction work of a four-level stack interchange at Shiv Murti.

It is to connect multiple expressways like the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj, Urban Extension Road 2, and Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport via a number of flyovers and underpasses. NHAI has targeted to complete the work by June 2023.

Points to remember while commuting on National Highway 48

• You should be mindful of the speed limit on NH 48 when you notice a speed control warning board.
• While changing lanes on a highway you must move in a safe gap and follow correct signals.
• You must maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the NH 48 to maintain safety during foggy weather and during rainfall.
• Make sure to not overtake on a highway.
• At night, you must avoid driving on a highway as the visibility is less.
• Keep your eyes open for wet patches and potholes while driving.