Longest Highways
The longest national highway in the world is Australia’s Highway 1, spanning approximately 14,500 kilometers. This massive network of highways encircles the country, connecting all state capitals except Canberra.
However, if we’re looking at the longest highway in the world overall, it’s the Pan-American Highway, stretching around 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. This incredible road passes through 14 countries in the Americas.
Other notable mentions include:
Trans-Siberian Highway: Russia’s massive highway system, covering around 11,000 kilometers from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok .
Trans-Canada Highway: Spanning approximately 7,821 kilometers, this highway connects all 10 Canadian provinces .
The longest national highway in India is National Highway 44 (NH 44), which stretches for approximately 4,112 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu .
This massive highway connects the northernmost and southernmost parts of India, passing through several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Initially known as NH 7, it was formed by merging seven major national highways.
Longest railway routes
The longest railway route in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway, spanning approximately 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok in Russia.
This epic journey takes around 8 days and 7 nights to complete, crossing eight time zones and passing through diverse landscapes, including Siberian forests, vast steppes, and the majestic Ural Mountains .
Other notable long railway routes include:
Beijing-Moscow Railway: Spanning around 9,000 kilometers, this route passes through China, Russia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan .
Shanghai-Lhasa Railway: Covering a distance of around 4,373 kilometers, this route takes passengers through the scenic landscapes of China.
The longest railway route in India is covered by the Vivek Express, which runs from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari, spanning an impressive 4,154 kilometers and passing through 8 Indian states This incredible journey takes around 75-80 hours to complete, with multiple stoppages along the way.
Some notable features of this route include:
Longest train route in India: The Vivek Express holds the record for the longest train route in India.
Pan-India connectivity: The route connects the northeastern state of Assam to the southernmost tip of India’s mainland, Kanyakumari.
Other long railway routes in India include the Aronai Superfast Express from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Silchar, covering a distance of 3,931 kilometers.
Largest nuclear plants
The largest nuclear power plants in the world are primarily located in Asia, with Japan, South Korea, and China leading the pack. Here are the top nuclear power plants ranked by net capacity:
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, Japan – 7,965 MW, with seven reactor units, including two advanced boiling water reactors (ABWR).
Kori Nuclear Power Plant, South Korea – 7,489 MW, featuring seven operational pressurized water reactor units .
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant, South Korea – 7,268 MW, with eight reactors utilizing OPR-1000 and APR-1400 technologies.
The largest nuclear plant in India is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, located in Tamil Nadu, with a total installed capacity of 2,000 MW.
This plant is not only the largest in India but also one of the newest, with units 3 and 4 currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2025 .
The Kudankulam plant is significant for several reasons:
Indigenous technology: Although the plant uses Russian technology, it marks a significant step towards India’s goal of developing its own nuclear power technology .
Power generation: The plant supplies power to five states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry .
Expansion plans: The plant is expected to expand its capacity to 6,000 MW upon completion of units 3 and 4 .
Overall, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a crucial component of India’s nuclear power program and a significant step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Largest thermal power plants
The largest thermal power plant in the world, by installed capacity, is the Tuoketuo Power Station in China, with a capacity of 6.7 GW (6,720 MW).
It is Located in Inner Mongolia, China, which is this coal-fired power plant.
The largest thermal power plant in India is the Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station, located in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed capacity of 4,760 MW.
This coal-based power plant is owned and operated by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and features 12 generating units.
However, it’s worth noting that the Adani Mundra Thermal Power Station in Gujarat is a close second, with an installed capacity of 4,620 MW. This coal-fired power plant is owned and operated by Adani Power and features nine generating units .
Both of these power plants are among the largest in the world and play a significant role in meeting India’s electricity demands.
Largest solar power plants
Xinjiang solar farm — China
The Xinjiang solar farm in China has just become the world’s largest solar farm, with an installed solar capacity of 5GW.
Officially connected to the grid on June, 2024, this enormous solar power plant dwarfs all others on this list.
The largest solar power plant in India is the Bhadla Solar Park, located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan.
It covers an impressive area of 56 square kilometers and has a total installed capacity of 2,245 megawatts (MW). This massive solar park is not only the largest in India but also one of the largest in the world, ranking 11th globally as of 2024..
Other notable large solar power plants in India include:
Pavagada Solar Park, Karnataka – 2,050 MW.
Largest wind power plants
The Jiuquan Wind Base is the largest wind farm in the world, with a planned installed capacity of 20 GW.
The wind farm, also called the Gansu Wind Farm, will consist of 7,000 wind turbines, which will be installed in the provinces of Inner Mongolia, Jiuquan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hebei and Xinjiang, in Gansu (China).
Jaisalmer Wind Farm, India
The Jaisalmer wind farm tops the Indian wind farms and has a capacity of 1,600MW. The wind farm was developed by Suzlon Energy and has different wind farms developed in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India.
The largest wind power plant in India is the Muppandal Wind Farm located in Tamil Nadu, with a capacity of 1,500 MW. This massive wind farm is a significant contributor to India’s renewable energy goals and is among the largest onshore wind farms in the world.
Largest hydroelectric power plants
The largest hydroelectric power plant in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China, with an installed capacity of 22.5GW.
Located on the Yangtze River, this massive dam is not only a significant source of renewable energy but also a remarkable feat of engineering.
The chief architect and engineer behind the iconic Three Gorges Dam in China is Dr. Huang Wanli 1911-2001), a renowned Chinese engineer and hydroelectric expert . Dr. Huang is often referred to as the “Father of the Three Gorges Dam” for his pioneering work on the project.
Dr. Huang began studying the feasibility of building a dam on the Yangtze River in the 1950s. He spent decades researching and advocating for the project, which was finally approved in 1992
In India, the largest hydroelectric power plant is the Tehri Hydropower Complex, with a capacity of 2,400MW.
Located in Uttarakhand, this complex includes the Tehri Dam and the Tehri Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant, as well as the 400MW Koteshwar Dam.
Other notable large hydroelectric power plants in India include:
Koyna Hydroelectric Project, Maharashtra – 1,960MW.
Srisailam Dam, Andhra Pradesh – 1,670MW
Nathpa Jhakri Dam, Himachal Pradesh – 1,530MW.
Sardar Sarovar Dam Gujarat – 1,450MW.
The White House was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban. Hoban’s design was chosen from among nine proposals in a competition held in 1792, and it was influenced by Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, which is now the seat of the Irish parliament
Hoban’s original design featured a three-story facade and nine bays across, but it was later modified at the request of President George Washington to have a two-story facade with 11 bays across. The building was constructed using Aquia Creek sandstone and took about eight years to complete.
Interestingly, Hoban not only designed the White House but also supervised its construction and went on to design other notable buildings in Washington, D.C., including the Capitol’s North Wing.
The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, was designed by architect George Bergstrom. Bergstrom was a Swedish-American architect who worked for the architectural firm of Bergstrom and Hutchison.
Bergstrom’s design for the Pentagon was chosen from among 12 proposals in a competition held in 1941.
The building’s distinctive five-sided shape was chosen to fit the site and to provide a efficient and functional layout .
The Pentagon was constructed between 1941 and 1943, and it was officially dedicated on January 15, 1943 . The building is a prominent example of neoclassical architecture and has become an iconic symbol of American military power.
Some interesting facts about the Pentagon’s design:
1.The Pentagon’s design was influenced by the neoclassical style of the White House and the Capitol Building
2. The building’s five-sided shape was chosen to provide a clear view of the surrounding area from the central courtyard .
The Smithsonian Institution’s museums in Washington, D.C. were designed by several architects, but the main building, also known as “The Castle”, was designed by James Renwick Jr. in 1847 .
However, the iconic “National Museum of Natural History” building, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, was designed by Hornblower & Marshall in 1910 .
Other notable architects who have contributed to the design of Smithsonian museums include:
1.I.M. Pei, who designed the “National Gallery of Art’s East Building” (1978).
2.Norman Foster, who designed the “Smithsonian’s Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture” (2007)
3.Freelon Group, who designed the “National Museum of African American History and Culture” (2016) .
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi was designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn, in collaboration with Bimal Patel.
Louis Kahn, an American architect of Estonian origin, is famous for his modernist and monumental designs. The AIIMS campus, designed in the 1960s, reflects Kahn’s signature style, with:
- Brutalist architecture: Exposed concrete and bold geometric forms
- Monumental scale: Large, imposing buildings that evoke a sense of grandeur
- Innovative use of natural light: Careful placement of windows, skylights, and courtyards to maximize natural light
The AIIMS campus has become an iconic example of modernist architecture in India, and its design continues to inspire architects and designers around the world.
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh was designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, along with Pierre Jeanneret. Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, is famous for his contributions to modern architecture, and PGIMER is one of his notable works in India.
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
TIFR is a premier research institute in India, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established in 1945 by the Tata Group and the Government of India, TIFR is a National Centre of Excellence and a Deemed University.
Key Research Areas:
1. Theoretical Physics: TIFR is renowned for its research in theoretical physics, including cosmology, particle physics, and string theory.
2. Astrophysics: TIFR has a strong astrophysics program, with research focusing on cosmology, galaxy evolution, and stellar astrophysics.
3. Computer Science: TIFR’s Computer Science department conducts research in algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
Notable Achievements:
1. Nuclear Physics Research: TIFR played a crucial role in India’s nuclear physics research, including the development of the country’s first nuclear reactor, Apsara.
2. Particle Accelerator Research: TIFR has developed several particle accelerators, including the Pelletron Accelerator.
3. Astrophysics Discoveries: TIFR researchers have made significant contributions to astrophysics, including the discovery of several exoplanets.
The iconic Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) building in Mumbai was designed by the renowned architect Khan Bahadur Minocher Rustom “Minnie” Masani, in collaboration with the British architect George Wittet.
However, the main campus building, which is a significant part of the TIFR complex, was designed by the famous architect Charles Correa in the 1960s.
The largest Linga temple in India is the “Kotilingeshwara Temple”, located in Kolar, Karnataka. This temple boasts an impressive 33-meter-tall Shiva Linga, making it the tallest in Asia . What’s more, the temple complex houses over 1 crore Shiva Lingas, earning it the nickname “Koti Lingeshwara”.
The temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls. The complex also features several smaller temples dedicated to other deities, including Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Hanuman .
Other notable mentions among the largest Linga temples in India include:
1. Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in the city.
2. Bhojeshwar Temple in Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh, which is home to one of the largest Shiva Lingas in the world .
3. Badavilinga Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, which features a 3-meter-tall Shiva Linga carved out of a single block of black stone.
The largest church in India is the “St. Francis Church”, located in Kochi, Kerala . Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, it’s not only the largest but also one of the oldest European churches in India.
Here are some impressive facts about St. Francis Church:
- Oldest European church: Built in 1503, making it one of the oldest European churches in India
- Vasco da Gama’s tomb: The church once held the tomb of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer
- Gothic-style architecture: Features stunning Gothic-style architecture, showcasing European influence
- Historical significance: Played a significant role in India’s colonial past and is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage
Other notable mentions among the largest churches in India include:
- Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in Goa .
- Velankanni Church, located in Tamil Nadu.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The largest Sikh temple in India is the “Golden Temple”, also known as the Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar, Punjab. This magnificent gurudwara (Sikh temple) is considered the holiest site in Sikhism and attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year.
Here are some impressive facts about the Golden Temple:
- Architecture: Features a unique blend of Sikh, Islamic, and Rajput architectural styles
- Golden Dome: The temple’s dome is covered with 100 kg of gold, which gives it its distinctive shine
- Sarovar: The temple is surrounded by a sacred pool of water, known as the Amrit Sarovar, which is believed to have healing properties
The Golden Temple is not only an iconic symbol of Sikhism but also a testament to the community’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
The largest Buddhist temple in India is the “Tawang Monastery”, located in Arunachal Pradesh . This magnificent monastery is situated at an elevation of about 3,000 meters in the Tawang Chu valley and is bounded by narrow spurs on the north, a gently sloping ground on the east, and steep ravines on the western and southern flanks.
Other notable mentions among the largest Buddhist temples in India include:
1. Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2.Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, located in Coorg, Karnataka, which is home to over 5,000 monks and is considered one of the largest teaching centers of the Nyingmapa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
The largest Jain temple in India is the “Ranakpur Jain Temple”, located in Rajasthan. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant pilgrimage site for Jains in India .
The largest temple in India is the “Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple”, located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Covering an impressive area of 156 acres, it’s not only the largest temple in India but also one of the largest religious complexes in the world.
This magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu, and is renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture. The temple complex features seven concentric enclosures, 21 gopurams (gateway towers), and a breathtaking hall with 1000 pillars.
Other notable mentions among the largest temples in India include:
- Akshardham Temple in Delhi, covering 100 acres.
- Belur Math in Kolkata, covering 40 acres.
- Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, covering 40 acres.
These temples are not only remarkable for their size but also for their historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.
The largest sports stadium in India is the “Narendra Modi Stadium”, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. With a massive seating capacity of 132,000, it’s not only the largest stadium in India but also the largest cricket stadium in the world . This iconic stadium is primarily used for cricket matches and has hosted several international and domestic cricket events. Its impressive design and massive capacity make it an ideal venue for large-scale sports events.
The largest airport in India is the “Rajiv Gandhi International Airport”, located in Shamshabad, Hyderabad. Spanning an impressive 5,500 acres, it’s not only the largest airport in India but also one of the busiest, serving over 25 million passengers and handling around 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually .
Interestingly, the “Jewar International Airport” in Uttar Pradesh is set to become India’s largest and Asia’s biggest airport by 2025, with a planned capacity to handle 70 million passengers .
The largest dam in India is the “Bhakra Dam”, located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh.
Here are some impressive facts about the Bhakra Dam:
Features:
1. Hydroelectric power: Generates 1,325 MW of hydroelectric power.
2. Irrigation: Provides irrigation facilities to over 10 million acres of land in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The Bhakra Dam is a gravity dam built in the 1960s and is considered one of the most iconic engineering marvels in India. It plays a crucial role in providing hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control in the region.
The tallest bridge in India is the “Chenab Rail Bridge”, located in Jammu and Kashmir. It stands at an incredible height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, making it not only the tallest bridge in India but also the highest rail bridge in the world .
This engineering marvel is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. The bridge is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and earthquakes, and is expected to have a lifespan of 120 years.
The Chenab Rail Bridge is an iconic example of India’s engineering prowess and is set to revolutionize transportation in the region.
Here are some of the most popular tallest statues in India:
1.Statue of Unity: Standing tall at 597 feet (182 meters) in Gujarat, this statue is not only the tallest in India but also in the world. It’s a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first deputy prime minister.
2.Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam): Located in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, this 369-foot-tall (112 meters) statue of Lord Shiva is the tallest Shiva statue in the world .
3.Statue of Equality: This 216-foot-tall (66 meters) statue in Muchintal, Telangana, commemorates the 11th-century Vaishnavite saint Ramanujacharya.
4.Lord Hanuman Statue: Situated in Madapam, Andhra Pradesh, this 171-foot-tall (52 meters) statue is the tallest Hanuman statue in the world .
5.Panchamukhi Hanuman Statue: Located in Bidanagere, Karnataka, this 161-foot-tall (49 meters) statue features Hanuman with five faces.
The tallest Buddha statue in the world is the “Spring Temple Buddha”, located in Lushan County, Henan, China.
Here are some fascinating facts about this incredible statue:
Height
1. 128 meters (420 feet): The Spring Temple Buddha stands at an impressive 128 meters (420 feet) tall, making it the tallest Buddha statue in the world.
Design
1. “Vairocana Buddha”: The statue depicts the Vairocana Buddha, a celestial Buddha who is often depicted as a supreme Buddha.
2. “Mudra”: The Buddha’s hands are in the “Abhaya Mudra” position, which symbolizes fearlessness and protection.
