National Highway 67 (NH 67) is a primary National Highway in India, situated entirely within the state of Tamil Nadu. It serves as a vital east-west corridor, connecting the industrial hub of Coimbatore in the western part of the state to the port city of Nagapattinam on the Bay of Bengal coast.
Route Description The highway passes through several significant cities and towns, facilitating connectivity across different regions of Tamil Nadu. Its approximate route runs through:
- Coimbatore
- Karur
- Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
- Thanjavur
- Nagapattinam
History and Renumbering The current alignment of NH 67 is a result of the comprehensive renumbering scheme for National Highways in India, implemented around 2010. Prior to this renumbering, the designation "NH 67" referred to a longer highway that began in Gundlupet, Karnataka, and extended to Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, passing through major locations such as Ooty, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, and Thanjavur.
Under the new numbering system, the segment from Gundlupet to Coimbatore, which included the winding route through the Nilgiri hills and Ooty, was renumbered and became part of other National Highways (for instance, NH 181 covers a portion of the old alignment). The stretch from Coimbatore to Nagapattinam retained the NH 67 designation, establishing its present-day identity and route.
Significance NH 67 is a crucial transportation artery for Tamil Nadu. It provides essential connectivity between major urban centers, agricultural areas, and industrial zones in the central and western parts of the state, linking them directly to the eastern coast. The highway plays a significant role in the movement of goods, contributing to regional trade and economic activities. It also enhances accessibility to various cultural, pilgrimage, and tourist sites located along its course.