Patna : The Union government has approved the alignment for the Ram-Janaki Path, a 240-kilometre highway linking Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with Sitamarhi in Bihar — the mythological abodes of Lord Ram and Sita, respectively. The road, which will be 70 metres wide and four lanes across, is expected to cost Rs 6,155 crore.
The alignment was approved by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways during a recent meeting chaired by Secretary V Umashankar. Bihar’s Additional Chief Secretary for the Road Construction Department, Mihir Kumar Singh, was also present.
The project, which received its green light on the occasion of Ram Navami, is being described by officials as significant for both religious and cultural reasons. It is intended to boost pilgrimage connectivity between the two sites while supporting economic development along the corridor.
The proposed route will begin at Mehrauna Ghat near the Uttar Pradesh–Bihar border and run through Siwan, Saran, East Champaran, Shivhar, and ultimately reach Bhittha Mor in Sitamarhi. Tenders have already been issued for two segments — Mehrauna to Siwan (40 km) and Siwan to Mashrakh (52 km). The newly approved alignment covers Mashrakh to Chakia (48 km) and Chakia to Bhittha Mor (103 km), with land acquisition proceedings expected to begin shortly.
A notable feature of the project is a bypass around Sitamarhi that will provide direct access to Punauradham, a site associated with Sita’s birth, enhancing convenience for pilgrims.
The Centre and the Bihar government aim to begin construction this year, with completion targeted within the next two and a half to three years. Officials hope the project will not only ease travel for religious pilgrims but also contribute to regional development through improved infrastructure and connectivity.
