🛣️South IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 87 (NH 87)

Manamadurai to Dhanushkodi — 196.0 km

NH 87 is a primary national highway connecting Manamadurai to Dhanushkodi, spanning 196.0 km through Tamil Nadu.

196.0

Kilometres

State

Major Cities

NH 87

Parent Highway

NH 87 Route Map

NH44 near Madurai, Manamadurai, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi

States & Union Territories

NH 87 passes through the following 1 state:

Tamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 87

The highway passes through 6 major cities and towns:

●Madurai→●Manamadurai→●Ramanathapuram→●Mandapam→●Rameswaram→●Dhanushkodi

View on Google Maps

NH 87 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Manamadurai

End Point (Terminus)

Dhanushkodi

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 87

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length196.0 km

RegionSouth India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 87

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 87

⚠️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 87 start and end?

National Highway 87 starts from Manamadurai and ends at Dhanushkodi, covering a total distance of 196.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 87 pass through?

National Highway 87 passes through Tamil Nadu.

What are the major cities on National Highway 87?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 87 include Madurai, Manamadurai, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi.

What is the total length of National Highway 87?

The total length of National Highway 87 is 196.0 km.

Is National Highway 87 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 87 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 87?

The speed limit on National Highway 87 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 87? (Route Map)

National Highway 87 follows this route: NH44 near Madurai, Manamadurai, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi — starting at Manamadurai and ending at Dhanushkodi.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 87?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist