🛣️South IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 32 (NH 32)

Chennai to Thoothukudi — 657.0 km

NH 32 is a primary national highway connecting Chennai to Thoothukudi, spanning 657.0 km through Puducherry, Tamil Nadu.

657.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 32

Parent Highway

NH 32 Route Map

(NH45) NH48 near Chennai, Chengalpattu, (NH66) Tindivanam, (NH45A) Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Karaikal, (Puducherry), NH83 near Nagapatinam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Thondi, Ramanathapuram, NH38 near Thoothukudi

States & Union Territories

NH 32 passes through the following 2 states:

PuducherryTamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 32

The highway passes through 12 major cities and towns:

●Chennai→●Chengalpattu→●Tindivanam→●Cuddalore→●Chidambaram→●Karaikal→●(Puducherry)→●Nagapatinam→●Thiruthuraipoondi→●Thondi→●Ramanathapuram→●Thoothukudi

View on Google Maps

NH 32 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Chennai

End Point (Terminus)

Thoothukudi

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 32

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length657.0 km

RegionSouth India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 32

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 32

⚠️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 32 start and end?

National Highway 32 starts from Chennai and ends at Thoothukudi, covering a total distance of 657.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 32 pass through?

National Highway 32 passes through Puducherry, Tamil Nadu.

What are the major cities on National Highway 32?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 32 include Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tindivanam, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Karaikal, (Puducherry), Nagapatinam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Thondi, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi.

What is the total length of National Highway 32?

The total length of National Highway 32 is 657.0 km.

Is National Highway 32 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 32 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 32?

The speed limit on National Highway 32 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 32? (Route Map)

National Highway 32 follows this route: (NH45) NH48 near Chennai, Chengalpattu, (NH66) Tindivanam, (NH45A) Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Karaikal, (Puducherry), NH83 near Nagapatinam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Thondi, Ramanathapuram, NH38 near Thoothukudi — starting at Chennai and ending at Thoothukudi.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 32?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist