New Expressway to Enhance Connectivity Between Nepal's Pashupatinath Temple and Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand

Bihar's Road Construction Minister announced plans for a new expressway connecting Nepal's Pashupatinath temple to Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand. The project aims to promote religious tourism and enhance economic activity across the region.

A new expressway is set to link Nepal's Pashupatinath temple with Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand, according to Bihar's Road Construction Minister, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal. This announcement came during the presentation of the Road Construction Department's budget for 2026–27, which exceeds Rs 8,260 crore. The proposed 250-km Pashupatinath-Baidyanath Dham High-Speed Corridor will begin in Kathmandu and pass through several districts before reaching its destination.

The expressway will traverse Bhimnagar and Birpur, entering India at Supaul district in Bihar. It will then continue through Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Munger, and Banka districts before reaching Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar district, Jharkhand. Jaiswal stated that a detailed proposal has been submitted to the Centre for approval. The project aims to enhance religious tourism and cultural exchange by directly connecting these significant religious sites.

Boosting Economic Activity and Connectivity

Jaiswal highlighted that the expressway would not only promote religious tourism but also stimulate economic activity in Bihar and Jharkhand. By improving regional connectivity, the project is expected to benefit several districts economically. The minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to initiate construction on other expressways like Raxaul-Haldia and Darbhanga-Amas to strengthen road networks in eastern India.

The state government is actively working on the India-Nepal Border Road Project, which involves constructing a total road length of 554.08 km in Bihar. These projects are anticipated to enhance movement in border areas and provide significant advantages in trade, tourism, and security for the state. The completion of these roads is expected to facilitate smoother transportation and bolster economic ties between regions.

Political Reactions and Legislative Developments

Despite the ambitious plans outlined by Jaiswal, opposition legislators expressed dissatisfaction with the NDA-ruled state government's performance. During the assembly session where the budget was presented, they staged a walkout as a form of protest. Nonetheless, the department's budget was passed by voice vote amid these political tensions.

The proposed expressway is part of a broader strategy to develop a comprehensive road connectivity network across eastern India. By linking key religious sites and enhancing infrastructure, the government aims to foster economic growth and improve accessibility for residents and tourists alike.

Overall, these initiatives reflect a commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity in Bihar and neighbouring regions. The focus on religious tourism and economic development underscores the potential benefits of such projects for local communities.

With inputs from PTI