National Highway 5 (NH 5) in India: Routes, Length, Entry/Exit Points & Rules
India is a densely populated country, and to ensure a seamless traverse from one extreme to the other, the nation owns a total of 599 national highways. Among them, National Highway 5 holds great significance as it connects Punjab with Himachal Pradesh by passing over Haryana.
Let us know more interesting details about this national highway!
National Highway 5 Latest Maps and Route
Under this system, the combination of three old highways, which are national highway 95, national highway 21, and national highway 22, has been renumbered as National Highway 5: You will travel across multiple states following the trail of NH 5.
States Falling Under National Highway 5 (NH5)
Connecting all these old highways, the NH 5 route passes through the following states and union territory:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Chandigarh
Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 5
The entry point of the National Highway 5 is situated in a city called Firozpur, which is located in the Indian state of Punjab. It ends at Shipki La, Himachal Pradesh.
Length of National Highway 5 With Major Intersections Across States
The total length of the National Highway 5 route is 660.2 km or 410.2 mi. The following table will give you a clear understanding of the intersections of NH 5 across states:
| State or UT | Miles | Kilometres |
| Punjab | 131.45 | 211.55 |
| Haryana | 17.58 | 28.30 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 251.65 | 405 |
| Chandigarh | 9.49 | 15.28 |
Note:
1.000 Mile = 1.609 km
1.000 km = 0.621 Mile
Types of Vehicles Allowed on National Highway 5
As per government guidelines, a host of vehicles are allowed on National Highway 5:
- Motor vehicles with eight seats and one driver's seat (vans, mini buses)
- Motor vehicles with more than nine seats and one driver' seat (regular buses)
- Commercial vehicles (trucks)
- Motorcycles
- Quadricycles
- Three-wheelers
Permitted Speed Limit at National Highway 5
The pace limit varies as per the vehicle category while travelling on the National Highway 5 of India. In the following table, detailed information regarding this is given:
- Motorcycles: 80 km per hour
- Quadricycle: 60 km per hour
- Three-wheeled vehicles: 50 km per hour
- Motor vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 100 km per hour
- Motor vehicles having nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 90 km per hour
- Motor vehicles used to carry goods: 80 km per hour
Maintaining the set speed limit can reduce vehicle collisions and accidents by bridging disparities.
Famous Places around National Highway 5
Some famous places to visit around the National Highway 5 of India are:
1. Firozpur
Start your journey on NH 5 to explore the core beauty of Punjab in all its glory by visiting these places:
- Hari-ke-Pattan Bird Sanctuary
- Gandhi Garden
- Anglo Sikh War Memorial
- Chak Sarkar Forest
2. Ludhiana
Let the trail of this highway take you to myriad sacred shrines and historical landmarks that are worth a visit in Ludhiana:
- Lodhi Fort
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
- Rakh Bagh Park
- Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib
- Phillaur Fort
3. Chandigarh
Chandigarh, another touch-down spot of NH 5, the capital of Punjab and Haryana owns a perfect balance of urban cityscape and natural space offering:
- The Rock Garden
- Sukhna Lake
- Rose Garden
- Urban Theka Market
- Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
- ISKCON temple
- Timber Trail
4. Shimla
Let a drive through NH 5 take you to a few places of Shimla, the shimmering capital of Himachal Pradesh, crowned as the ‘Queen of Hills’:
- Mall
- Christ Church
- Kali Bari Temple
- Green Valley
- Lakkar Bazar
5. Shipki La
Your National Highway 5 journey will end at Shipki La that facilitates bilateral trade between three nations, India, China, and Nepal.
- Kunzum Pass
- Spiti Valley
- Nako Village
- Reckong Peo
- Kaza Village
- Khab Bridge
- Tabo Village
Things to Consider While Travelling on National Highway 5
Some important factors that you should keep in mind while travelling on National Highway 5 are as follows:
- Maintaining a proper speed is very important on NH 5 for safe and hassle-free travel.
- Highways are filled with unprecedented circumstances. To be safeguarded, ensure to maintain a 3-second-worth distance between vehicles.
- Avoid overtaking as much as possible on NH 5 as it passes through hilly terrain.
- Inform fellow motorists about your next move by providing proper signals. Be very careful at the hairpin bends on NH 5.
- Keep a toolbox within reach for emergencies whenever you are travelling via NH5. This way, you will be able to fix the damaged or broken part promptly without having to wait for the mechanic for hours.
Now that you have got detailed knowledge about National Highway 5, it will be easier for you to travel via this route. Just keep in mind the important measures while travelling as the highway journey can be long and tiring. Have a safe journey, and enjoy all the beautiful places that fall on this route.
FAQs About National Highway 5
What makes National Highway 5 so special?
National Highway 5 covers the northwestern and northern parts of India. This part is known for its captivating scenic beauty, lush green fields, and snow-capped mountains. Travelling on this route can be fascinating.
Why was the old NH 95, 21, and 22 renumbered as NH 5?
The reason behind the change of the old NH 95, 21, and 22 to NH 5 was to ensure more consistency and flexibility in the numbering system of all new and existing highways. Based on the geographic location and orientation, these highways have been renumbered as NH 5.
What are the important things to carry while travelling on National Highway 5?
The most important things you should carry while travelling on National Highway 5 are all essential documents like a driving licence, RC, PUC, insurance certificate, etc. Other than these, you must keep a first aid kit, driver's emergency kit, extra tires, plenty of water, some snacks, garbage bags, etc.