Bharat Path Ayodhya: ₹900 Cr Highway to Ram Temple
The sacred city of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya, is once again on the path of major infrastructural transformation. After the iconic developments of Ram Path, Bhakti Path, and Janmabhoomi Path, the Yogi government has now announced a new grand project — the Bharat Path Ayodhya. With an estimated budget of ₹900 crore, this 20-kilometre-long route will connect Bharat Kund on the Prayagraj Highway to Ranopali. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the spiritual, cultural, and touristic value of Ayodhya, making travel more convenient and spiritually immersive for devotees and tourists alike.
Bharat Path Ayodhya: Project Overview
Bharat Path Ayodhya is a monumental project aimed at connecting religious sites associated with Lord Shri Ram’s younger brother, Bharat, particularly Bharat Kund, to other key locations in the city. The road will begin from Ranopali railway crossing, pass through Vidyakund and Darshan Nagar, and culminate at Bharat Kund on the Prayagraj Highway. Currently a two-lane road, it will be expanded into a 24-metre-wide four-lane corridor. Each side will be 9 metres wide, with a 2.5-metre divider to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.
According to S.P. Bharti, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and submitted to the state government. Construction will commence upon approval. The road will feature ornamental street lighting, depictions of Ramayana-era scenes, and extensive greenery to provide pilgrims with an aesthetically pleasing and spiritually uplifting journey.
Religious Significance of Bharat Path Ayodhya
Bharat Kund holds immense importance in the Ramayana. Legend has it that when Lord Ram went into exile for 14 years, his brother Bharat refused to ascend the throne and instead chose to perform penance at Bharat Kund. He also performed the last rites of their father, King Dasharatha, at this location. For devotees, especially those coming from Prayagraj and Purvanchal, this site is of deep spiritual value.
The construction of Bharat Path Ayodhya will make Bharat Kund more accessible. Designed on the lines of Ram Path, this road will offer a blend of devotion and modernity. Pilgrims will witness artistic depictions from the Ramayana and enjoy soft, glowing lighting that will bathe the road in a divine aura by night.
District Magistrate of Ayodhya, Nikhil Tikaram Funde, stated, “The proposal for Bharat Path Ayodhya is ready, and we expect it to be approved soon. This project will significantly enhance Ayodhya’s religious and cultural prominence.”
Key Features of Bharat Path Ayodhya
The Bharat Path Ayodhya project stands out in many ways. Here are some of its unique features:
- Integration of Religious Sites: It will connect the sacred Bharat Kund with other important religious destinations such as the Ram Temple, enabling pilgrims to visit multiple holy sites in a single journey.
- Boost to Tourism: Following the inauguration of the Ram Mandir Ayodhya, the city has witnessed an influx of millions of tourists. The new route will enhance connectivity and establish Ayodhya as a global spiritual and cultural hub.
- Safer and Smoother Commute: The current narrow, two-lane road to Bharat Kund poses challenges for visitors. Expanding it into a modern four-lane road will make travel safer and more efficient.
- Employment Opportunities: The construction and maintenance of this road will generate new jobs locally. It will also boost businesses related to tourism and hospitality.
- Spiritual Ambience: Much like Ram Path, Bharat Path Ayodhya will merge devotion with modern aesthetics. Pilgrims can expect an experience that is both serene and visually stunning.
Ayodhya Changing Landscape:
With the grand opening of the Ram Temple, the pace of development in Ayodhya has accelerated. Projects like Ram Path, Bhakti Path, Janmabhoomi Path, and now Bharat Path Ayodhya are reshaping the city into a splendid spiritual center. Additionally, the Panchkosi and Chaudah Kosi Parikrama Marg routes are also being expanded to ease the pilgrimage process.
The Yogi government envisions Ayodhya as a world-class religious and cultural destination. Bharat Path Ayodhya marks a critical step in that direction. It will not only benefit pilgrims but also elevate Ayodhya’s historical and spiritual heritage.
Ram ki Paidi:
In parallel with the Bharat Path Ayodhya project, Ram ki Paidi has gained popularity among pilgrims and tourists alike. Especially in the summer, the Saryu River becomes a refreshing retreat. Described by some as a natural water park, it now sees thousands enjoying ritual baths and leisure time.
Sanjay Tripathi, Executive Engineer of the Saryu Project, mentioned that Ram ki Paidi is regularly cleaned twice daily to ensure hygiene. “Earlier, when there was no dedicated Ram Channel, accidents used to occur during river bathing. But now such incidents are rare. We’ve even added a waterfall feature to provide relief during the heat,” he added.
Devotees are highly appreciative of the arrangements. One visitor shared, “We’ve come to Ayodhya with our whole family. Bathing at Ram ki Paidi during the summer heat is a truly refreshing experience. The cleanliness and management here are excellent.”
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple:
Today, Ayodhya is synonymous with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, a symbol of unwavering faith and a marvel of Indian temple architecture. Built in the traditional Nagar style, the temple has several stunning features:
- Dimensions: 380 feet long, 250 feet wide, and 161 feet high
- Structure: Comprising 392 intricately carved pillars and 44 doors
- Sculptures: Depictions of various Hindu deities on its walls
- Sanctum Sanctorum: The central chamber houses a child form idol of Ram Lalla, the primary attraction for devotees
Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Construction Committee, stated that the temple will be completed by 5 June 2025, with the Ram Darbar Pran Pratishtha ceremony commencing on 3 June 2025. This iconic structure is central to Ayodhya’s emergence as a global religious destination.
A New Wave of Tourism and Development in Ayodhya
Post the Ram Temple inauguration, the number of pilgrims and tourists visiting Ayodhya has surged dramatically. Millions from India and abroad now visit daily to seek blessings of Ram Lalla. To manage this growth, the Yogi government has launched multiple infrastructure projects.
Apart from Bharat Path Ayodhya, initiatives like Ram Path, Bhakti Path, Janmabhoomi Path, and the widening of Panchkosi and Chau,dah Kosi Parikrama routes are underway to accommodate the growing influx.
Bharat Path Ayodhya will provide easier access to religious destinations like Bharat Kund, making it more convenient for pilgrims from Prayagraj and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the project is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating job opportunities and boosting tourism-related businesses.
Ayodhya Future:
The Yogi government is steadfast in its mission to transform Ayodhya into a world-class spiritual and cultural capital. Projects like Bharat Path Ayodhya are instrumental in achieving this vision. This grand route will not only make travel convenient for pilgrims but also enhance the prestige of Ayodhya’s spiritual legacy.
With landmarks like Ram ki Paidi and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya now stands as a unique blend of devotion, culture, and modern infrastructure. Once Bharat Path Ayodhya is completed, the city will become even more appealing and accessible, ensuring that it tops the travel list for pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
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