The Uttar Pradesh government has proposed the construction of a 20-kilometre-long road corridor named ‘Bharat Path’ in Ayodhya at an estimated cost of ₹900 crore, aiming to enhance the temple town’s spiritual infrastructure and accommodate the increasing influx of devotees following the Ram temple’s inauguration.
According to a government statement released on Wednesday, the new spiritual corridor will connect Ranopali railway crossing to Bharatkund via Vidyakund and Darshannagar, improving access to Bharatkund, a site of religious significance associated with Lord Ram’s brother, Bharat. The Public Works Department (PWD) has submitted the detailed project report to the state headquarters, and construction will begin once approval is granted. The project envisions a two-lane road widened to include 9-metre lanes on each side, along with a 2.5-metre central divider, ensuring improved traffic management and safety. “The road will be developed with the same grandeur and devotion as the Ram Path. It will offer devotees a spiritually enriching experience while maintaining smooth traffic flow,” said the government.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to position Ayodhya as a global religious destination. Other major routes, including Ram Path, Bhakti Path, and Janmabhoomi Path, are also under development. Work is ongoing to widen the Panchkosi and Chaudashkosi Parikrama routes, which see heavy footfall during religious festivals. Bharatkund, the corridor’s endpoint, holds a prominent place in the Ramayana. It is believed that Bharat performed penance here during Lord Ram’s 14-year exile and later conducted the Pind Daan ceremony for their father, King Dasharatha, at this sacred site. The location features a mythological lake visited by thousands of pilgrims. S P Bharti, Executive Engineer of the PWD’s provincial section, confirmed that the estimated cost for Bharat Path stands at ₹900 crore and floodlights will be installed to ensure proper illumination along the entire stretch.
Once completed, the Bharat Path is expected to significantly ease pilgrimage travel and enhance Ayodhya’s standing as a centre for spiritual and cultural tourism.
