Which is currently recognised as the longest National Highway in India after the renumbering of the highway network?

Introduction / Context:
India has a vast network of National Highways that connect different regions of the country. Over the years, many highway numbers were rationalised and renumbered. After this renumbering exercise, one particular highway stretching from the northernmost part of the country to the southern tip came to be recognised as the longest National Highway in India. This is a common fact tested in geography and general awareness sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks for the longest National Highway in India after renumbering.
- Options provided are NH4, NH44, NH10 and NH5.
- The learner is expected to know which highway runs over a very long north south route.
- Standard geography and transport knowledge is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
After the rationalisation of National Highway numbers, the highway running from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu was designated as National Highway 44 (NH44). This route integrates several earlier highways and is the longest National Highway in India in terms of distance covered. Other highways like NH4, NH10 and NH5 are important but do not match NH44 in overall length. Therefore, NH44 is the correct answer to this question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that prior to renumbering, different segments had numbers like NH7, which were long north south routes.
Step 2: Remember that the rationalisation exercise created NH44 as a continuous long corridor from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
Step 3: Recognise that NH44 is widely cited in exam material as the longest National Highway in India.
Step 4: Compare this with NH4, NH10 and NH5, which are shorter and cover specific regions.
Step 5: Select “NH44” as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many geography books and exam guides list National Highway trivia in tabular form. In these tables, under the heading “Longest National Highway,” the answer is clearly given as NH44, Srinagar to Kanyakumari. If a student has revised transport related facts, this combination should be familiar. Additionally, maps of the Golden Quadrilateral and other major corridors also highlight NH44 as a key north south spine, reinforcing the idea that it is the longest highway in the network.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- NH4: An important highway connecting regions in southern India, but not the longest highway after renumbering.
- NH10: A shorter highway mainly in the north eastern region, connecting cities such as Siliguri to other destinations, not comparable in length to NH44.
- NH5: Another National Highway of regional importance, but its length does not exceed that of NH44.

Common Pitfalls:
Earlier exam questions sometimes mentioned NH7 as the longest National Highway. Some candidates who studied before the renumbering may still remember that and get confused. The key is to update this fact: after rationalisation and renumbering, NH44 is now recognised as the longest. Students should regularly revise changes in highway numbering, states, and other transport facts to avoid relying on outdated information.

Final Answer:
After the renumbering of the network, the longest National Highway in India is NH44.