National Highway 8 (NH 8) in India: Routes, Length, Entry/Exit Points & Rules

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Highways are the lifeline of domestic trade. From making communication and trading faster to letting one witness the bewitching beauty of the nation at its purest, highways play a vital role in connecting lives. The National Highway 8 makes this vast road network stronger. It connects two major states of northeastern India: Assam and Tripura.

Let us take a tour to explore NH 8 route, map, and other essential aspects.

The National Highway 8 passes through two major north-eastern states of India. Following are the details of the states along with the highway numbering system of India.

States Falling Under National Highway 8 (NH8)

As per this system, the former national highway 44 becomes National Highway Number 8. Its connected states are: 

• Assam 
• Tripura

The highway travels across various cities and towns, including Patharkandi, Churaibari, Ambassa, Teliamura, Agartala, Udaipur, and Sabroom.

Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 8

The National Highway 8 starts from the junction with NH 37 close by Karimganj, Assam, and terminates at the Indo-Bangladesh border of Sabroom, Tripura. Since it stretches through pivotal parts of Assam and Tripura, the lush greens and mystic hills of these two states are a true delight to the eyes.

• Daily bus services
• Four-wheelers (cars, jeeps)
• Commercial vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Quadricycle
• Three-wheelers

Here is the maximum speed limit for vehicles on National Highway 8 in India:

• 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

National Highway no 8 runs through the heart of the northeast. Since it covers the rural areas of Assam and Tripura, one can find multiple places to visit while driving on NH 8. Here is a list of spots to guide you better:

1. Patharkandi

Start your ride with some aromatic Assam tea while witnessing the pastoral beauty of the land of “Blue Hills and Red River” at:

• Dakhil Darwaza
• Lattan Mosque
• Adina Mosque
• Ramkeli

2. Ambassa

The trail of NH 8 will lead to your next destination, Ambassa, a land of intricately carved rock architecture. Make sure to stop by:

• Eco Park
• Rose Valley Park

3. Agartala

Agartala owns the following remarkable museums, palaces, and temples  to make your road trip a journey to remember:

• Ujjayanta Palace
• Heritage Park
• Tripura Sundari Temple
• Neermahal Palace

4. Sabroom

As your journey on NH 8 reaches an end, make sure to rest in Sabroom and visit a few nearby spots of the South Tripura district.

• Kalapania Nature Park
• Alutila Cave Matai Hakor Cave
• Khaiyachara Falls

One must keep the following factors in mind while travelling on NH 8:  

• The hilly terrain along National Highway 8 is prone to landslides particularly during the monsoon season. Therefore, avoid travelling during monsoons.

• Since NH8 is a narrow road, you must avoid overtaking as you may endanger not only yourself but your fellow drivers.  

• NH 8 has poor road condition and has several potholes, making it difficult for vehicles, especially large vehicles like buses or trucks, to move. Therefore, do not overspeed and secure yourself against such issues by having a commercial vehicle insurance policy.

• By taking proper rest at pit stops and rest stations on NH8, one can remain alert on the road and avoid associated risks or tiredness.

Summing up, here is a complete guide to National Highway 8 to clear out all your confusion. If you are willing to witness the breathtaking beauty of Northeastern India, then plan for a road trip on this highway. Don't forget to keep your vehicle's speed within the limit and keep the enlisted factors in mind to enjoy a safe and hassle-free trip.