National Highway 55 (NH 55) in India: Routes, Length, Entry/Exit Points & Rules

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The national highways play an important role in connecting different parts of India with each other. Interestingly, India boasts of the second largest road network, and National Highway 55(NH 55) plays an integral part in it. While travelling through this highway, one gets the chance to experience absolute scenic beauty. This highway links the eastern and western parts of Odisha.

Like other highways, National Highway 55 follows a specific route. This highway connects Sambalpur, Boinda, Redhakhol, Angul, and Dhenkanal and then terminates at Cuttack.

States Falling Under National Highway 55 (NH 55)

Every highway is given a number to indicate the orientation and geographic location of the highway. However, National Highway 55 stretches entirely through the Indian state of Odisha.

Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 55

National Highway 55 starts from Maneswar, Sambalpur, and then terminates at NH 16 in Cuttack. Hence, the entry point of this highway is Sambalpur, and the exit point is Cuttack.

The different kinds of vehicles and transports that the state allows between this national highway route include:

• M1 category vehicles (vehicles used for carrying passengers having not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat)
• M2 and M3 category vehicles (vehicles used for carrying passengers consisting of nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat)
• N category vehicles (vehicles used for the carriage of goods)
• Motorcycles, Quadricycles and Three-wheeled vehicles

The Government of India has set different speed limits for different categories of vehicles. Here is a detailed overview of the maximum speed of different vehicles in kilometres per hour:

• 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

Here are some of the most notable tourist destinations in the states that this highway passes through:

1. Puri

Puri, located in the eastern coastal part of Odisha, has popular tourist attractions places such as:

• Puri Beach and
• Sun Temple

2. Bhubaneswar

If you are passing through the highway, make sure to enjoy the following popular places:

• Lingaraj Temple
• Nandankanan Zoological Park
• Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves

Here are the things that one should follow while travelling on National Highway 55:

• It is advised to avoid driving through the rainy season as landslides are evident on the route of NH 55. However, if you are travelling, ensure you are covered with add-ons like consumables cover or engine protect cover with your car insurance or bike insurance policy for enhanced safety.

• Make sure to give the correct signal and maintain speed control when changing lanes of NH55.

• Look out for construction/maintenance work signs on NH 55 and maintain the appropriate speed mentioned on the sign boards.

• Heavy vehicles used for carrying goods must avoid overloading and must have a permit and active commercial vehicle insurance.

Knowing National Highway 55 and its route is ideal before you start travelling. This article will provide a detailed overview of NH 55, and following the driving tips, you can have a smooth and hassle-free journey.