National Highway 44 in Telangana

Overview: National Highway 44 (NH‑44), formerly NH‑7, is the longest running north–south national highway in India. It starts from Srinagar in the north and ends at Kanyakumari in the south, passing through 11 states. In Telangana, the highway enters from Andhra Pradesh near the Tungabhadra River and exits into Maharashtra across the Penganga River, covering 512.65 km across 11 districts.
3,745
Total Length (km)
512.65
Telangana Stretch (km)
11
Districts Covered
3
Major Rivers Crossed
National Highway 44 route in Telangana

NH‑44 corridor through Telangana (illustrative)

National Highway 44 (NH 44), previously National Highway 7, is the longest-running major north–south national highway in India. It starts from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir and terminates at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, passing through Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The highway is laid and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

Within Telangana, NH‑44 enters from Andhra Pradesh across the Tungabhadra River (a tributary of the Krishna) near Jogulamba Gadwal district, then crosses the Krishna River, later the Godavari River, and finally exits into Maharashtra over the Penganga River (a tributary of the Godavari) near Adilabad. The route connects several important cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

Districts Covered in Telangana

Jogulamba Gadwal Wanaparthy Mahbubnagar Rangareddy Hyderabad Medchal Medak Kamareddy Nizamabad Nirmal Adilabad

Notable Landmarks and Attractions

The highway passes through a rich tapestry of heritage sites, temples, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Listed district‑wise, these are some of the prominent places you can explore along the route.

Jogulamba Gadwal

Wanaparthy

Mahbubnagar

Rangareddy

Hyderabad

Kamareddy

Nizamabad

Nirmal

Adilabad

Major Rivers Crossed

Tungabhadra River

Enters Telangana from Andhra Pradesh near Jogulamba Gadwal district, forming the southern boundary.

Krishna River

Crossed near the Beechupally and Srirangapuram areas, with important temples on both banks.

Godavari River

Crossed near Nizamabad, where the Sriramsagar Project (Nizam Sagar) is located.

Penganga River

A tributary of the Godavari, forming the border with Maharashtra near Adilabad, where the highway exits Telangana.

Route Map (Telangana Section)

The highway traverses the entire state from south‑west to north‑east, connecting major urban centres and rural areas. Below is an approximate map of the corridor within Telangana.

Hyderabad – a major city along NH‑44 in Telangana.

Schematic representation of NH‑44 through Telangana (approximate route).

Strategic and Economic Significance

NH‑44 is a vital artery for freight and passenger movement, connecting the northern and southern extremities of India. Within Telangana, it links the state capital Hyderabad to major agricultural, industrial, and mining regions, facilitating trade and tourism. The highway also supports the region's cultural heritage by providing access to numerous temples, forts, and waterfalls.

Key Takeaways:
  • Length in Telangana: 512.65 km out of the total 3,745 km.
  • Districts: 11 districts, from Jogulamba Gadwal to Adilabad.
  • Rivers: Crosses Tungabhadra, Krishna, Godavari, and Penganga.
  • Major cities: Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad.
  • Attractions: Over 30 heritage sites, temples, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Maintenance: Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
A Lifeline for Telangana

Beyond being a transport corridor, NH‑44 weaves together the cultural and natural diversity of the region. It offers travellers a journey through history, spirituality, and scenic landscapes—from the ancient temples of Alampur to the majestic waterfalls of Adilabad.

Sources and Further Reading
  • Telangana360 – District‑wise attractions
  • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) – NH‑44 project details.
  • Central Public Works Department (CPWD) – Maintenance records.
  • Wikipedia – National Highway 44 (India).

National Highway 44 is not just a road; it is a corridor that connects the heart of Telangana to the rest of India, carrying stories of faith, history, and progress.