New Kanwariya path to be constructed for pilgrims

Patna, Feb 24 (UNI) The Bihar government has decided to construct a new Kanwariya(kuchha) road for smooth journey of pilgrims offering special prayers at 'Baba dham', the famous temple of Lord Shiva.

Tourism Minister Nandkishore Yadav told newspersons here today that the new road would be 45 km long from Sultanganj, the starting point, to Deoghar. He said in view of the hardships being faced by pilgrims while walking on pitched roads, the government decided to construct the Kanwariya road parallel to the existing one.

This road would intersect the existing pitched road and all possible facilities would be provided at about 30 such interlinking points he said. Shades would be constructed with facilities for drinking water, toilet and parking for vehicles, he added.

The minister said several facilities would be given at all prominent places situated on the way to Deoghar from Sultanganj. A 'yatri niwas' with a capacity of 200 would be constructed at Sultanganj. This apart retiring homes with 50 bed capacity would be made at Asarganj, Jalebiya more, Suiya more and Inarabad. The new Kanwariya road would have shops and refreshment facilities, he said.

The government was negotiating with its Jharkhand counterpart, as of the 105 km distance to Deoghar, 14 km was located in Jharkhand, he noted.

Road Construction department had been asked to conduct a survey for the new project, he said and informed that the new project would be executed with the joint effort of Tourism and Road construction departments. The project would be completed within three years, he added.

Mr Yadav further said that for the time being the flanks on the pitched road from Sultanganj to Deoghar would be developed this year for smooth journey of the pilgrims.

UNI RS PL MA RK1840