SignalPe
🛣️Secondary Highway

National Highway 538 (NH 538)

Melur to Ramanathapuram — 105.0 km

NH 538 is a secondary/branch national highway connecting Melur to Ramanathapuram, spanning 105.0 km through Tamil Nadu. It branches from NH 38.

105.0

Kilometres

1

State

3

Major Cities

NH 38

Parent Highway

NH 538 Route Map

NH38 near Melur, Sivaganga, NH87 near Ramanathapuram

States & Union Territories

NH 538 passes through the following 1 state:

Tamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 538

The highway passes through 3 major cities and towns:

●Melur→●Sivaganga→●Ramanathapuram
View on Google Maps

NH 538 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Melur

Junction point from route description

End Point (Terminus)

Ramanathapuram

Junction point from route description

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 538
TypeSecondary/Branch Highway
Parent HighwayNH 38
Total Length105.0 km
Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)
Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 538

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 538

  • ⚠️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 538 pass through?
National Highway 538 passes through Tamil Nadu.
What are the major cities on National Highway 538?
The major cities and towns along National Highway 538 include Melur, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram.
What is the total length of National Highway 538?
The total length of National Highway 538 is 105.0 km.
Is National Highway 538 a primary or secondary national highway?
National Highway 538 is a secondary/branch national highway that branches from NH 38.
What is the speed limit on National Highway 538?
The speed limit on National Highway 538 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 538? (Route Map)
National Highway 538 follows this route: NH38 near Melur, Sivaganga, NH87 near Ramanathapuram.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 538?

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 138

51.6 km

NH 338

56.5 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

Explore More on SignalPe

All National Highways

Browse all 826 national highways in India

Highway Speed Limits

Speed limits on Indian national highways

Overtaking Rules

Safe overtaking practices on highways

GPS Toll System

New GPS-based toll collection system

Road Safety Rules

Complete road safety guidelines for India

Lane Discipline

Lane rules for highways and expressways

← View All National Highways