🛣️South IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 81 (NH 81)

Coimbatore to Chidambaram — 340.0 km

NH 81 is a primary national highway connecting Coimbatore to Chidambaram, spanning 340.0 km through Tamil Nadu.

340.0

Kilometres

State

Major Cities

NH 81

Parent Highway

NH 81 Route Map

(NH67) NH544 near Coimbatore, Palladam, Karur, Krishnarayapuram, (NH227) Tiruchirappalli, Lalgudi, Kallakudi, Kizhapalur, Udaiyarpalaiyam, Jayamkondacholapuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Kattumannarkoil, Komarakshi, NH32 near Chidambaram

States & Union Territories

NH 81 passes through the following 1 state:

Tamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 81

The highway passes through 14 major cities and towns:

●Coimbatore→●Palladam→●Karur→●Krishnarayapuram→●Tiruchirappalli→●Lalgudi→●Kallakudi→●Kizhapalur→●Udaiyarpalaiyam→●Jayamkondacholapuram→●Gangaikondacholapuram→●Kattumannarkoil→●Komarakshi→●Chidambaram

View on Google Maps

NH 81 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Coimbatore

End Point (Terminus)

Chidambaram

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 81

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length340.0 km

RegionSouth India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 81

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 81

⚠️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 81 start and end?

National Highway 81 starts from Coimbatore and ends at Chidambaram, covering a total distance of 340.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 81 pass through?

National Highway 81 passes through Tamil Nadu.

What are the major cities on National Highway 81?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 81 include Coimbatore, Palladam, Karur, Krishnarayapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Lalgudi, Kallakudi, Kizhapalur, Udaiyarpalaiyam, Jayamkondacholapuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Kattumannarkoil, Komarakshi, Chidambaram.

What is the total length of National Highway 81?

The total length of National Highway 81 is 340.0 km.

Is National Highway 81 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 81 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 81?

The speed limit on National Highway 81 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 81? (Route Map)

National Highway 81 follows this route: (NH67) NH544 near Coimbatore, Palladam, Karur, Krishnarayapuram, (NH227) Tiruchirappalli, Lalgudi, Kallakudi, Kizhapalur, Udaiyarpalaiyam, Jayamkondacholapuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Kattumannarkoil, Komarakshi, NH32 near Chidambaram — starting at Coimbatore and ending at Chidambaram.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 81?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist