National Highways in Himachal Pradesh | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

National Highways (NH) are crucial for connecting different regions and facilitating transportation and economic activities. In Himachal Pradesh, the network of National Highways plays a significant role in linking various parts of the state and improving connectivity. This summary covers the current status and recent updates about National Highways in Himachal Pradesh, including their length, development status, and specific routes.

Historical Development of National Highways

Initial Network (as of March 31, 2014)

• As of March 31, 2014, Himachal Pradesh had 14 National Highways.
• The total length of these highways, including bypasses, was 1,752.830 kilometers.

Recent Developments (May 2016)

• In May 2016, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced in-principle approval for 17 new National Highways in Himachal Pradesh.
• The total length of these new highways is projected to be 1,368.20 kilometers.
• Examples of new stretches include:
• Bhota to Newchowk
• Ranital to Kotla
• Rohru to Kiari to Kotkhai
• Chailla to Sarahan to Narayangarh
• Taradevi to Nalagarh to Ghanouli
• Neripul to Rajgarh to Banethi
• Mandi to Chailchowk to Nagan
• Narkanda to Rohru
• Taksal to Nogli

Current Status (as of April 20, 2020)

Total Length and Maintenance

• There are 19 National Highways in Himachal Pradesh, with a total length of 2,592 kilometers.
• Of these, the State Public Works Department (PWD) maintains or has developed 1,238 kilometers.
• The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for 785 kilometers of 5 National Highways.
• The Border Road Organization (BRO) is involved in the development and maintenance of 569 kilometers across 3 National Highways.

Detailed Breakdown of National Highways

Old NH Numbers and Their New Equivalents

• NH-70 (renumbered to NH-3)
• NH-22 (renumbered to NH-5)
• NH-72 (renumbered to NH-73A)
• NH-88 (renumbered to NH-205)
• NH-21A (renumbered to NH-21)
• NH-20 (renumbered to NH-103)
• NH-21 & NH-88 (renumbered to NH-7)
• NH-20A (renumbered to NH-154)

Detailed Route Information

• NH-3: Connects Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Gagret, Mubarikpur, Amb, Nadaun, Hamirpur, Sarkaghat, Dharmpur, Mandi, Kullu, and Manali.
• NH-5: Runs from Kalka to Wangtoo, passing through Parwanoo, Solan, Shimla, and Theog.
• NH-73A: Extends from Ambala to Nauni, including Kala Amb, Nahan, and Paonta Sahib.
• NH-103: Connects Hamirpur to various destinations like Bhota, Ghumarwin, and Brahampukhar.
• NH-154: Starts at Pinjore, runs through Baddi, Nalagarh, and Swarghat.
• NH-205: Links Pathankot, Nurpur, Palampur, Jogdinder, and Mandi.
• NH-303: Connects Ropar, Kiratpur, Swarghat, Nauni, Darlaghat, and Shimla.
• NH-305: Extends from Aut to Sainj, Luhri, Anni, and Jalori.
• NH-503: Runs from Matour, Kangra, Ranital, Dehra, Gopipur, Bharwain, and Mubarkpur.
• NH-503 (Extension): Connects Paonta, Rajban, Shillai, Menus, and Hatkoti.