Motihari/Patna: The construction of the proposed Ram-Janki Path, a four-lane highway linking Ayodhya and Sitamarhi, has moved forward after key administrative hurdles were cleared.
Officials said the land acquisition process has been expedited following publication under Section 3(a). A five-member committee is currently inspecting the alignment area to determine land categories before the next stage of acquisition begins.
Authorities expect the land classification process to be completed within a month, after which formal acquisition proceedings will continue.
The proposed corridor is considered significant from both connectivity and tourism perspectives as it aims to link the birthplaces associated with Lord Ram in Ayodhya and Goddess Sita in Sitamarhi.
Route to pass through 49 revenue villages
The project was initially planned as a two-lane road but was later upgraded to a four-lane highway due to its strategic and religious importance.
According to officials, the highway will pass through 49 revenue villages spread across seven circles in the district. The total stretch within the district will cover around 56 km.
The road will enter the district at Dhekahan in Kesaria and proceed towards Shivhar via Patahi.
The alignment includes:
- 11 villages in Kesaria
- 15 villages in Kalyanpur
- Three villages in Chakia
- One village in Mehsi
- 13 villages in Madhuban
- Five villages in Phenhara
- One village in Patahi
Officials said that after land classification is completed, notifications will be issued inviting claims and objections. Compensation payments to landowners will begin after disposal of objections and publication of the final declaration.
Tourism connectivity expected to improve
The proposed highway is also expected to strengthen religious and tourism connectivity across the region.
Apart from linking Ayodhya and Sitamarhi, the route will provide access to Buddhist heritage sites and pass through the under-construction Virat Ramayan Mandir.
Tourists travelling along the corridor are expected to benefit from improved access to the temple complex and the world’s tallest Shivling planned at the site.
The highway will also connect Sitakund Dham in Chakia block, a site associated with local religious significance.
Economic activity likely to increase
Officials and local observers said the project could boost economic activity in areas along the corridor.
Improved road connectivity is expected to increase land value and create opportunities for businesses such as hotels, food plazas, petrol pumps and small commercial establishments.
The project is also likely to generate local employment during and after the construction phase.
