Patna: The state govt has proposed to construct a dedicated 6-metre-wide unpaved kanwariya path along NH-22 from Pahleza Ghat in Saran to the Baba Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur to ensure safer passage for lakhs of pilgrims during the Shrawani and Bhado months.Road construction minister Kumar Shailendra has written to Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking permission to use National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) land for the project.During an inspection of the nearly 50-km stretch on Thursday, the minister directed officials to initiate the necessary procedures. The proposed track will be developed on the lines of the Sultanganj-Deoghar Kanwariya route, using soil and sand to create a soft surface for barefoot pilgrims.Every year, lakhs of devotees carry Ganga water from Pahleza Ghat and walk to Baba Garibnath Temple for jalabhishek. In the absence of a dedicated lane, pilgrims currently share NH-22 with vehicular traffic, leading to congestion and safety concerns.A separate Kanwariya track will provide a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage route while ensuring smoother traffic movement on the highway, the minister said. He added that the project would also help prevent encroachments on vacant land along the corridor. Departmental and NHAI officials accompanied the minister during the inspection.
