Road connectivity plays an integral role in the economy of a country. India has a vast national highway connectivity of 1,42,126 km, including all the under-construction projects cumulatively. The national highways in our country are constructed and maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

This article will focus on the National Highway 66 (NH 66). Knowing this highway's route, map and speed limits will ensure a smooth journey.

After the renumbering of National Highways in India in 2010, several highways, like NH 17, NH 47 and NH 204, were clubbed and renamed as National Highway 66. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has assigned even numbers to all the existing north-south highways and odd numbers to all the existing east-west highways in the country.

Here is all you need to know about the NH 66 for a successful travel plan.

States Falling Under National Highway 66

The new NH 66 stretches through several states:

• Maharashtra
• Goa
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu

Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 66

National Highway 66 starts from Maharashtra and ends in the state of Tamil Nadu. It passes over five states: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The following are the types of vehicles and transports allowed on National Highway 66:

• Car (SUV, sedan, hatchback, compact SUV, pickup, van)
• Light commercial (LCV)
• Bus or truck
• Up to three-axle vehicles
• Four to six-axle vehicles
• HCM/EME
• Seven or more axle vehicles

Listed below are the speed limits set by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for vehicles on national highways:

• 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: 90 km per hour

These speed limits are framed keeping in mind several local factors. Therefore, maintaining the speed limit is necessary to reduce potential vehicle collisions by bridging disparities.

The National Highway 66 stretches over five states namely Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Some of the famous places covered by the highway include the following:

1. Maharashtra

• Karnala Fort and Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Mumbai
• Panhalakaji Caves, Maharashtra
• Alibaug, Maharashtra
• Raigad Fort, Maharashtra
• Sawatsada Waterfalls, Maharashtra

2. Goa

• Anjuna Beach, Goa
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa
• Fort Aguada, Goa

3. Karnataka

• Maravanthe Beach, Karnataka

4. Kerala

• Munnar, Kerala
• Bekal Fort, Kerala
• Muzhappilangad Beach, Kerala
• Silent Valley, Kerala

5. Tamil Nadu

• Periyar National Park, Kerala-Tamil Nadu border
• Ooty, Tamil Nadu
• Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu

There are certain things you should consider while travelling via National Highway 66. If you are travelling on this route for the first time, make sure to keep these in mind:

• The main causes of accidents are mainly because of overspeeding. While taking this route, always consider maintaining a moderate level of speed and avoid overtaking other vehicles in the way.
• Always try to follow the road signs and symbols on NH 66. Consider maintaining the permissible speed limit and drive extra carefully in accident-prone zones.
• There can be sharp turns and twists while travelling on NH 66. Therefore consider being cautious while driving.
• Driving at night on NH66 or on any other national highways can be dangerous, as it can lead to accidents due to poor visibility and exhaustion.