National Highway 4 (NH 4) in India: Routes, Length, Entry/Exit Points & Rules

source: wikimedia

National highways play a dominant role in India’s commercial growth story. Since India owns 28 states and 8 Union territories, the national highways act as lifelines ensuring seamless connectivity between them. I

ndia’s road network expands over 63.73 lakh kilometres making it the second-largest in the world. Though not connected to the mainland, the NH 4 of Andaman and Nicobar Islands contributes to this vast road grid.

Scroll down to discover the route, length, and other quintessential things to consider about National Highway 4.

National Highway 4 plays a major role in establishing seamless commutations throughout the region. The island stretches over 333 km in length. The National Highway Authority of India has developed NH 4 to meet the extreme parts of this group of islands. Let us explore some interesting facts about this highway below.

States Falling Under National Highway 4

Locally popularized as the Great Andaman Trunk Road, the NH 4 route covers significant towns of the territory connecting Ferrargunj, Baratang, Kadamtala, Rangat, Billy Ground, Nimbudera, and Mayabunder.

Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 4

The National Highway 4 initiates from the island's capital, Mayabandar in Port Blair, and concludes at Chidiya Tapu in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, connecting the south and north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Since the highway runs along with the sea and tropical rainforest side by side, it is considered one of India's scenic highways. Ride through it to see where the blue sky meets the ocean.

As per the details published by the Ministry of Road and Highways, the following types of vehicles are permitted on National Highway number 4: 

• Commercial conveyance 
• Regular bus services 
• Deluxe buses 
• Two-wheelers 
• Three-wheelers 

The preferred speed limit at NH 4 is as follows:

• Motorcycles: 80 km per hour
• Quadricycle: 60 km per hour
• Three-wheeled vehicles: 50 km per hour
• Motor vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 100 km per hour
• Motor vehicles having nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 90 km per hour
• Motor vehicles used to carry goods: 80 km per hour

Since NH 4 runs across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you can witness everything here, from orange-hued sunsets to deep blue sky. Following is a series of spots for improved guidance:

1. Port Blair:

Here are some of the must visit places in the magnifiscent town of Port Blair, near the National Highway 4:

• Cellular Jail 
• Japanese Bunkers 
• Chatham Saw Mill 
• Murugan Temple 

2. Ferrargunj:

Ferrrargunj is situated in South Andaman near the National Highway 7. Here are some top sights to visit in the area:

• Mount Harriet National Park 

3. Baratang:

Baratang is one of the most diverse spots on the island of Andaman. Visit the following spots in the town to experience your trip to the fullest:

• Mangrove creeks 
• Active Mud Volcanoes
• Limestone Caves 
• Parrot Island 

4. Rangat

Make sure to stop by in Rangat to cherish the picturesque charm of nature. Here are the most popular sight seeing spots in Rangat: 

• Cutbert Bay Beach 
• Amkunj Bay Beach 
• Panchavati Hills 
• Long Island 

5. Mayabunder

Mayabunder is a town near NH4 and is one of the most magnificently beautiful towns in the Andaman islands. Don’t forget to visit these places during your visit to Mayabunder.

• Austin X Island 
• Avis Island 
• German Jetty 
• Interview island 

6. Diglipur

If you make your tip through the National highway 4 in the Andaman Islands, Diglipur is a must visit. Here are some of the best places to go in the town:

• Saddle Peak National Park
• Ross and Smith Island 
• Kalipur Beach 
• Active Mud Volcanoes 

While highway driving is relaxing and joyous, things can turn the other way very quickly. Thus, it is recommended to follow the below driving tips for a hassle-free and safe road trip: 

• NH 4 passes through the buffer zone of the Jarwa Reserve between Jirkatang to the Middle Strait where laws are in place to minimise traveler contact with the native tribe of Jarawa. Only vehicle convoys with armed escorts are allowed.
• Knowing the speed limit on NH 4 is highly important. While high speed is dangerous, moving slowly can be deadly too. 
• Lane discipline falls under essentials for highway drivers, especially on this route of NH 4. 
• Starting your trip at night is a strict no in NH4. If you have to start your trip at night, keep it slow yet active. 

Here is a detailed travel guide to NH 4. It features all important details including the route, length, permitted speed limit, aspects to consider, and famous places to visit while planning a road trip on this highway. Being the sole highway of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it provides adventurous opportunities and spectacular diversity at each stop.