A Sacred Road: India’s Cultural Highway Takes Shape
In a significant move to strengthen India’s spiritual and cultural tourism, the central government has approved the final alignment of the Ram Janaki Path—a 240-kilometer road connecting Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) and Punoura Dham, Sitamarhi (Bihar). This road is not just infrastructure; it is a symbolic thread weaving together places of deep religious reverence linked to the lives of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
Approved by the Alignment Approval Committee under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this ₹6,155 crore project is a milestone in the Ramayana Circuit—a network of sacred sites mentioned in the epic Ramayana.
From Ayodhya to the Nepal Border: A Journey of Devotion
What is the Ram Janaki Path?
The Ram Janaki Path starts from Mehrauna Ghat in Uttar Pradesh and extends to Bhittha Mod near the Nepal border in Sitamarhi, Bihar. The road will pass through key districts of Siwan, Saran, East Champaran, Sheohar, and Sitamarhi, forming a religious corridor between Lord Ram’s birthplace and Goddess Sita’s birthplace.
This initiative isn’t just about enhancing travel—it’s about reviving the sacred journey pilgrims have long desired to make easier, safer, and more accessible.
Spiritual Tourism Set to Flourish
Once completed, the Ram Janaki Path will enable smooth and secure road travel between Ayodhya and Punoura Dham, two of the most revered destinations in Hindu mythology. The road will significantly reduce travel time and provide a seamless connection for devotees, promoting faith-based tourism across the region.
By linking key sites from the Ramayana, the path promises to give rise to a new wave of religious tourism, opening doors for cultural immersion and economic growth in bordering and rural areas.
Segment-Wise Breakdown of the Project
The Ram Janaki Path has been divided into three major sections:
1. Mehrauna to Siwan
Length: ~50 km
Estimated Cost: ₹1,254 crore
Status: Tendering complete
2. Siwan to Mashrakh
Length: ~40 km
Estimated Cost: ₹1,351 crore
Status: Tendering complete
3. Mashrakh to Bhittha Mod (Sitamarhi)
Length: ~150 km
Estimated Cost: ₹3,500 crore
Status: Final alignment approved; land acquisition to begin soon
The approval for the third segment is a turning point, paving the way for land acquisition and construction. The green signal from the alignment committee has boosted the project’s momentum.
Parallel Railway Boost for Connectivity
Alongside the road project, the central government had also approved the doubling of the Ayodhya–Sitamarhi railway track in October 2024. This ₹4,563 crore project aims to make train travel faster and more comfortable, enhancing overall connectivity between these two iconic cities.
Bihar’s Role in Sacred Development
The Bihar government is taking proactive steps to support the project. In September 2024, the state initiated the acquisition of 50 acres near Punoura Dham for infrastructure development, including accommodation and transport facilities for pilgrims.
Furthermore, in February 2025, the Bihar cabinet approved a proposal from the Tourism Department to develop several other religious sites across the state, including:
Harihar Temple, Sonpur
Someshwar Nath Temple, Areraj
Siheshwar Sthan, Madhepura
Kusheshwar Sthan, Darbhanga
Purn Devi Temple, Purnia
These sites will see improved roads, drainage, lighting, parking, and tourist-friendly amenities as part of a broader spiritual revival.
A Record Push for Development
The February cabinet meeting also marked the approval of 136 projects across various sectors—religious tourism, infrastructure, education, health, and urban development. It’s a clear sign of Bihar’s commitment to creating a holistic development environment while preserving its sacred heritage.
Final Thoughts: A Path to Faith and Progress
The Ram Janaki Path is more than just concrete and tar—it’s a spiritual bridge that binds history, faith, and future aspirations. It carries with it the hopes of millions of pilgrims who wish to walk in the footsteps of Ram and Sita, reliving the sacred chapters of the Ramayana.
As the project moves into its next phase, it brings not just religious significance, but also the promise of regional upliftment, job creation, and cultural pride. The road to Sitamarhi is being built, and with it, a new chapter of India’s spiritual renaissance begins.
