Ayodhya’s 14-Kosi Parikrama route gets major infrastructure upgrade (Img: IANS)
Ayodhya: The identity of Ayodhya is rooted not only in its temples and religious sites but also in centuries-old traditions that continue to draw devotees. Among them, the 14-kosi parikrama is now set to receive a major infrastructure upgrade.
The widening and improvement of the parikrama route is nearing completion, with efforts focused on making the pilgrimage more convenient and accessible. A 31-km stretch is being converted into a four-lane road at an estimated cost of Rs1,140 crore.
The complete 14-kosi parikrama route is around 42 km long, including portions that overlap with the Panchkosi parikrama route. The project, being carried out under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is targeted for completion before Deepotsav.
After completion, devotees undertaking the parikrama will have access to better roads as well as toilets, water kiosks, tin sheds, seating arrangements and lighting. The Public Works Department’s Division-3 is in the final phase of construction, with the focus now shifting towards making the route more organised and convenient for pilgrims.
The 14-kosi parikrama is an important part of Ayodhya’s ancient religious tradition. It is believed that devotees undertake the pilgrimage around the sacred boundaries of Ramnagari. A large numbers of devotees visit Ayodhya on various occasions and participate in the religious journey.
Keeping this in mind, widening the parikrama route is not merely a road infrastructure project but also an effort to improve the movement and experience of pilgrims coming to the holy city for pilgrimage. With the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya increasing following the consecration of Ram Lalla at the Ram Temple, the four-laning project is significant from both traffic management and pilgrimage perspectives.
Along different sections of the route, road widening is being carried out with the development of facilities required by devotees.
Toilets, water kiosks, tin sheds, seating areas and lighting facilities are being developed along the route to ensure that pilgrims have access to basic amenities during the parikrama.
Construction work is progressing rapidly across different sections. The four-lane railway overbridge near Modaha has already been completed, making movement through the area easier.
Authorities are now focusing on preparing the entire 42-km route ahead of Diwali and Deepotsav.
As part of the project, attractive yellow railings are being installed along the route’s dividers. Tree guards have also been placed at several places following plantation work.
Lighting installations linked to the memory of Lord Shri Ram are being put up along the route. The lighting work has already begun near Achari Sagra.
The route is therefore expected to have a more distinctive appearance not only during the day but also at night. Work to give the pilgrimage route a new look through better facilities and illumination is now in its final phase.
As the project enters its final stage, officials of the Public Works Department Division-3 are working to complete construction before Deepotsav.
Public Works Department Executive Engineer Satya Pal Singh said special attention was being given to seating arrangements, adequate lighting and cleanliness-related facilities keeping the convenience of devotees in mind.
He said the objective was to ensure that devotees could complete their parikrama without inconvenience. Along with widening the road, essential facilities are also being developed along the route.
With religious events drawing increasing numbers of devotees to Ramnagari, the conversion of the 14-kosi parikrama route into a four-lane road is expected to bring a significant change in connectivity and movement.
As devotees from across India and abroad arrive in Ayodhya for Deepotsav, the upgraded route is set to showcase the city's centuries-old religious tradition alongside its ongoing infrastructure development.
Better roads, lighting, seating, cleanliness and other facilities are expected to make the pilgrimage more convenient. The revamped parikrama route could also contribute to the expansion of religious tourism in Ayodhya.
