🛣️South India, East IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 16 (NH 16)

Chennai to Kolkata — 1681.0 km

NH 16 is a primary national highway connecting Chennai to Kolkata, spanning 1681.0 km through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.

1681.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 16

Parent Highway

NH 16 Route Map

(NH6) Kolkata, (NH60) Kharagpur, (NH5) Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, Berhampur, Srikakulam, Vishakhapatnam, Eluru Vijayawada, Guntur, Chilakaluripet, Ongole, Nellore, Chennai

States & Union Territories

NH 16 passes through the following 4 states:

Andhra PradeshOdishaTamil NaduWest Bengal

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 16

The highway passes through 15 major cities and towns:

●Kolkata→●Kharagpur→●Baleshwar→●Bhadrak→●Cuttack→●Bhubaneshwar→●Berhampur→●Srikakulam→●Vishakhapatnam→●Eluru Vijayawada→●Guntur→●Chilakaluripet→●Ongole→●Nellore→●Chennai

View on Google Maps

NH 16 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Chennai

End Point (Terminus)

Kolkata

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 16

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length1681.0 km

RegionSouth India, East India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 16

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 16

⚠️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

Where does National Highway 16 start and end?

National Highway 16 starts from Chennai and ends at Kolkata, covering a total distance of 1681.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 16 pass through?

National Highway 16 passes through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.

What are the major cities on National Highway 16?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 16 include Kolkata, Kharagpur, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, Berhampur, Srikakulam, Vishakhapatnam, Eluru Vijayawada, Guntur, Chilakaluripet, Ongole, Nellore, Chennai.

What is the total length of National Highway 16?

The total length of National Highway 16 is 1681.0 km.

Is National Highway 16 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 16 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 16?

The speed limit on National Highway 16 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 16? (Route Map)

National Highway 16 follows this route: (NH6) Kolkata, (NH60) Kharagpur, (NH5) Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, Berhampur, Srikakulam, Vishakhapatnam, Eluru Vijayawada, Guntur, Chilakaluripet, Ongole, Nellore, Chennai — starting at Chennai and ending at Kolkata.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 16?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist