🛣️South IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 72 (NH 72)

Hiriyur to Cherkala — 404.0 km

NH 72 is a primary national highway connecting Hiriyur to Cherkala, spanning 404.0 km through Karnataka, Kerala.

404.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 72

Parent Highway

NH 72 Route Map

NH48 near Hiriyur, NH69 at Huliyar, NH73 at Tiptur, Gandasi, NH75 near Hassan, Arkalgud, Piriyapatna, Gonikoppal, Virajpet, Bhagamandala, Panathur, Kuttikol, NH66 near Cherkala

States & Union Territories

NH 72 passes through the following 2 states:

KarnatakaKerala

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 72

The highway passes through 13 major cities and towns:

●Hiriyur→●at Huliyar→●at Tiptur→●Gandasi→●Hassan→●Arkalgud→●Piriyapatna→●Gonikoppal→●Virajpet→●Bhagamandala→●Panathur→●Kuttikol→●Cherkala

View on Google Maps

NH 72 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Hiriyur

End Point (Terminus)

Cherkala

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 72

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length404.0 km

RegionSouth India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 72

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 72

⚠️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 72 start and end?

National Highway 72 starts from Hiriyur and ends at Cherkala, covering a total distance of 404.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 72 pass through?

National Highway 72 passes through Karnataka, Kerala.

What are the major cities on National Highway 72?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 72 include Hiriyur, at Huliyar, at Tiptur, Gandasi, Hassan, Arkalgud, Piriyapatna, Gonikoppal, Virajpet, Bhagamandala, Panathur, Kuttikol, Cherkala.

What is the total length of National Highway 72?

The total length of National Highway 72 is 404.0 km.

Is National Highway 72 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 72 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 72?

The speed limit on National Highway 72 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 72? (Route Map)

National Highway 72 follows this route: NH48 near Hiriyur, NH69 at Huliyar, NH73 at Tiptur, Gandasi, NH75 near Hassan, Arkalgud, Piriyapatna, Gonikoppal, Virajpet, Bhagamandala, Panathur, Kuttikol, NH66 near Cherkala — starting at Hiriyur and ending at Cherkala.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 72?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist