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🛣️Secondary Highway

National Highway 138 (NH 138)

Tuticorin Port to Tirunelveli — 51.6 km

NH 138 is a secondary/branch national highway connecting Tuticorin Port to Tirunelveli, spanning 51.6 km through Tamil Nadu. It branches from NH 38.

51.6

Kilometres

1

State

2

Major Cities

NH 38

Parent Highway

NH 138 Route Map

(NH7A) NH38 near Tuticorin Port, NH44 near Tirunelveli

States & Union Territories

NH 138 passes through the following 1 state:

Tamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 138

The highway passes through 2 major cities and towns:

●Tuticorin Port→●Tirunelveli
View on Google Maps

NH 138 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Tuticorin Port

Junction point from route description

End Point (Terminus)

Tirunelveli

Junction point from route description

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 138
TypeSecondary/Branch Highway
Parent HighwayNH 38
Total Length51.6 km
Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)
Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 138

Cars, Jeeps & Light Motor Vehicles100 km/h
Buses & Goods Carriers (medium)80 km/h
Heavy Motor Vehicles (trucks, lorries)60 km/h
Motorcycles & Two-Wheelers80 km/h

Speed limits are prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules for national highways. State governments may impose lower limits on specific stretches.

Safety Tips for Driving on NH 138

  • ⚠️Always follow the speed limit — 100 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for heavy vehicles on national highways.
  • ⚠️Wear seatbelts and ensure all passengers are buckled up.
  • ⚠️Do not overtake on curves, bridges, or narrow sections.
  • ⚠️Keep a safe following distance, especially during monsoon season.
  • ⚠️Use headlights even during daytime on highways.
  • ⚠️Take breaks every 2 hours during long drives to avoid fatigue.
  • ⚠️In case of an emergency, call 112 (Unified Emergency Number) or 1033 (National Highway Helpline).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states does National Highway 138 pass through?
National Highway 138 passes through Tamil Nadu.
What are the major cities on National Highway 138?
The major cities and towns along National Highway 138 include Tuticorin Port, Tirunelveli.
What is the total length of National Highway 138?
The total length of National Highway 138 is 51.6 km.
Is National Highway 138 a primary or secondary national highway?
National Highway 138 is a secondary/branch national highway that branches from NH 38.
What is the speed limit on National Highway 138?
The speed limit on National Highway 138 is 100 km/h for cars and light motor vehicles, 80 km/h for buses and medium goods vehicles, and 60 km/h for heavy motor vehicles (trucks and lorries). These limits are set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for national highways. State governments may impose lower limits on specific sections.
What is the route of National Highway 138? (Route Map)
National Highway 138 follows this route: (NH7A) NH38 near Tuticorin Port, NH44 near Tirunelveli.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 138?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety RulesHighway Speed LimitsRoad Trip Checklist

Related National Highways

NH 38

Vellore → Thoothukudi

640.0 km
South India

NH 338

56.5 km

NH 538

105.0 km

Other National Highways in Tamil Nadu

NH 16

Chennai → Kolkata

NH 32

Chennai → Thoothukudi

NH 36

Vikravandi → Manamadurai

NH 38

Vellore → Thoothukudi

NH 42

Joladarasi → Krishnagiri

NH 44

Srinagar → Kanyakumari

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