New Highway to Open Doors for Buddha’s Sacred Places in Shravasti

The Union Cabinet’s approval of the Barabanki–Bahraich section of NH-927 is a landmark move for Buddhist tourism in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh.

Spiritual & Cultural Significance
- Shravasti is revered as one of the places where Lord Buddha spent several monsoon seasons and delivered many teachings.
- It attracts scholars, pilgrims, and international visitors from countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Myanmar.

Project Highlights
- Length: 101.5 km, 4-lane access-controlled highway
- Cost: ₹6,969.04 crore
- Execution: Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
- Connectivity: Links NH-27, NH-330B, NH-730, plus state highways SH-13 and SH-30B
- Nodes: Connects 3 economic nodes (including SEZ & food parks), 2 social nodes, and 12 logistics hubs
- Employment: 36.54 lakh person-days (direct) & 43.04 lakh person-days (indirect)

Travel Efficiency
- Average vehicle speed will rise from 40 km/h to 80 km/h.
- Travel time between Barabanki and Bahraich will be cut nearly in half — from 150 minutes to 75 minutes.
- Enhanced multi-modal connectivity with Lucknow and Shravasti airports, major railway stations, and the Rupaidiha Land Port.

Expected Impact
- Tourism boost: Easier access for domestic and international Buddhist pilgrims.
- Economic growth: Local communities benefit from tourism-driven opportunities.
- Comfort & safety: Reduced congestion and smoother travel experience.

This highway is more than infrastructure — it’s a gateway to India’s Buddhist heritage, strengthening cultural ties and unlocking new economic potential for eastern Uttar Pradesh.