UP govt to construct 20-km Bharat Path spiritual corridor linking Ram Path to Bharatkund

After the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, there has been a surge in the number of devotees, with lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad arriving daily to visit the temple, said the statement. To accommodate the footfall and ensure smooth and safe traffic flow, the government is undertaking multiple infrastructure projects, including the construction and widening of key routes such as Ram Path, Bhakti Path, Janmabhoomi Path and now Bharat Path. Work is also underway to widen the Panchkosi and Chaudahkosi Parikrama routes, the statement said.

The Bharat Path will be nearly 20 km, beginning at the Ranopali railway crossing along Ram Path and extending to Bharatkund via Vidyakund and Darshan Nagar on the Prayagraj Highway. It is a two-lane road at present and the plan is to widen the route to include 9-metre lanes on both sides and a 2.5-metre central divider. This design will ensure that the road is smooth as well as safe and well-organised for traffic management. Bharat Path is planned to be developed on the lines of Ram Path, providing devotees a better experience.

Bharatkund holds a special place in the Ramayana. It is believed that during Lord Ram’s exile, his younger brother Bharat performed penance here for 14 years. Upon Lord Ram’s return from exile, he conducted the ‘Pind Daan’ ceremony for their father, King Dasharatha, at this site, it is believed. The location is also home to a mythological lake that draws numerous devotees. Several pilgrims, from eastern UP and Prayagraj especially, visit Bharatkund for darshan and worship. With the construction of Bharat Path, devotees will have easier access, making their journey to Ayodhya more convenient.

SP Bharti, Executive Engineer of the PWD’s Provincial Section, said a Detailed Project Report for Bharat Path has been submitted to the headquarters. Work would commence soon after approval is granted, said Bharti.