🛣️East IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 20 (NH 20)

Bakhtiyarpur to Panikoili — 676.0 km

NH 20 is a primary national highway connecting Bakhtiyarpur to Panikoili, spanning 676.0 km through Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha.

676.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 20

Parent Highway

NH 20 Route Map

(NH31) NH31 near Bakhtiyarpur, Bihar Sharif, Nawada, Rajauli, Kodarma, (NH33) Barhi, Hazaribag, (NH75) Ranchi, Khunti, Murhu, Chakradharpur, Chaibasa, Jaintgarh, Parsora, (NH215) Kendujhargarh, NH16 near Panikholi

States & Union Territories

NH 20 passes through the following 3 states:

BiharJharkhandOdisha

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 20

The highway passes through 15 major cities and towns:

●Bakhtiyarpur→●Bihar Sharif→●Nawada→●Rajauli→●Kodarma→●Barhi→●Hazaribag→●Ranchi→●Khunti→●Murhu→●Chakradharpur→●Chaibasa→●Jaintgarh→●Parsora→●Kendujhargarh

View on Google Maps

NH 20 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Bakhtiyarpur

End Point (Terminus)

Panikoili

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 20

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length676.0 km

RegionEast India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 20

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 20

⚠️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 20 start and end?

National Highway 20 starts from Bakhtiyarpur and ends at Panikoili, covering a total distance of 676.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 20 pass through?

National Highway 20 passes through Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha.

What are the major cities on National Highway 20?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 20 include Bakhtiyarpur, Bihar Sharif, Nawada, Rajauli, Kodarma, Barhi, Hazaribag, Ranchi, Khunti, Murhu, Chakradharpur, Chaibasa, Jaintgarh, Parsora, Kendujhargarh.

What is the total length of National Highway 20?

The total length of National Highway 20 is 676.0 km.

Is National Highway 20 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 20 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 20?

The speed limit on National Highway 20 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 20? (Route Map)

National Highway 20 follows this route: (NH31) NH31 near Bakhtiyarpur, Bihar Sharif, Nawada, Rajauli, Kodarma, (NH33) Barhi, Hazaribag, (NH75) Ranchi, Khunti, Murhu, Chakradharpur, Chaibasa, Jaintgarh, Parsora, (NH215) Kendujhargarh, NH16 near Panikholi — starting at Bakhtiyarpur and ending at Panikoili.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 20?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist