🛣️East IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 18 (NH 18)

Koderma to Balasore — 594.0 km

NH 18 is a primary national highway connecting Koderma to Balasore, spanning 594.0 km through Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal.

594.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 18

Parent Highway

NH 18 Route Map

(NH32) NH20 near Koderma, Jamui, Giridih, Govindpur, Dhanbad, Bhuli, Hirak, Kanko, Chas(Bokaro), Puruliya, Balarampur, (NH33) Chandil, Ghatshila, (NH6) Baharagora, (NH5) Jharpokharia Junction on NH49, Baripada, Betnoti, NH16 near Baleshwar.

States & Union Territories

NH 18 passes through the following 3 states:

JharkhandOdishaWest Bengal

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 18

The highway passes through 15 major cities and towns:

●Koderma→●Jamui→●Giridih→●Govindpur→●Dhanbad→●Bhuli→●Hirak→●Kanko→●Chas(Bokaro)→●Puruliya→●Balarampur→●Chandil→●Ghatshila→●Baharagora→●Baripada

View on Google Maps

NH 18 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Koderma

End Point (Terminus)

Balasore

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 18

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length594.0 km

RegionEast India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 18

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 18

⚠️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 18 start and end?

National Highway 18 starts from Koderma and ends at Balasore, covering a total distance of 594.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 18 pass through?

National Highway 18 passes through Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal.

What are the major cities on National Highway 18?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 18 include Koderma, Jamui, Giridih, Govindpur, Dhanbad, Bhuli, Hirak, Kanko, Chas(Bokaro), Puruliya, Balarampur, Chandil, Ghatshila, Baharagora, Baripada.

What is the total length of National Highway 18?

The total length of National Highway 18 is 594.0 km.

Is National Highway 18 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 18 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 18?

The speed limit on National Highway 18 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 18? (Route Map)

National Highway 18 follows this route: (NH32) NH20 near Koderma, Jamui, Giridih, Govindpur, Dhanbad, Bhuli, Hirak, Kanko, Chas(Bokaro), Puruliya, Balarampur, (NH33) Chandil, Ghatshila, (NH6) Baharagora, (NH5) Jharpokharia Junction on NH49, Baripada, Betnoti, NH16 near Baleshwar. — starting at Koderma and ending at Balasore.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 18?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist