HIGHWAY : NEW HIGHWAY TO OPEN DOORS FOR BUDDHA’S SACRED PLACES IN SHRAVASTI

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 26 MARCH 2026

Shravasti district in Uttar Pradesh holds immense spiritual and historical importance in the Buddhist world. It is believed to be one of the places where Lord Buddha spent several monsoon seasons and delivered many of his teachings. Shravasti attracts scholars, spiritual seekers, and international visitors interested in India’s rich Buddhist heritage.

In a major step to strengthen connectivity to this globally revered Buddhist destination, the Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 4-lane, access-controlled Barabanki–Bahraich section of National Highway 927. The project is expected to significantly improve travel access to Shravasti district and unlock new opportunities for tourism-driven economic growth across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Despite its global significance, Shravasti has long faced connectivity challenges that limited its full tourism potential. The newly approved 101.5-kilometre Barabanki–Bahraich highway is expected to change this scenario by providing faster, safer, and more efficient road connectivity to the region. Designed as an access-controlled highway, the project will significantly enhance travel efficiency by increasing average vehicle speeds from 40 kmph to 80 kmph and reducing travel time between Barabanki and Bahraich by nearly 50% — from about 150 minutes to 75 minutes.

Improved connectivity is expected to play a transformative role in attracting both domestic and international Buddhist tourists. Countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Myanmar share deep spiritual connections with Buddhist heritage sites in India, and improved access to Shravasti is likely to encourage more pilgrims from these nations to visit. The highway will also enhance multi-modal connectivity by linking key highways, railway stations, airports, and logistics hubs across the region, ensuring smoother and more reliable travel for visitors.

The growth of Buddhist tourism in Shravasti is expected to generate significant economic opportunities for local communities. Improved road connectivity will also help in reducing congestion and enhancing overall travel comfort and safety for visitors.

Key Highlights of the Project:

1. Project: 4-Lane Access-Controlled NH-927 (Barabanki–Bahraich Stretch)
2. Length: 101.51 km
3. Total Capital Cost: ₹6,969.04 crore
4. Mode of Execution: Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
5. Major Highway Connections: NH-27, NH-330B, NH-730
6. State Highways Linked: SH-13, SH-30B
7. Key Connectivity:

Airports: Lucknow, Shravasti

Railway Stations: Barabanki, Rasauli, Jangirabad, Rafinagar, Bindaura, Burhwal, Chowkaghat, Ghaghraghat, Jarwal, and Bahraich

Land Port: Rupaidiha Land Port

1. Nodes Connected:
   3 Economic Nodes (including SEZ & Mega Food Parks), 2 Social Nodes (aspirational districts), 12 Logistics Nodes
2. Major Towns Covered:
   Barabanki, Ramnagar, Jarwal, Kaisarganj, Fakharpur, Bahraich
3. Employment Generation:
   36.54 lakh person-days (direct) & 43.04 lakh person-days (indirect)