Barabanki-Bahraich highway to open up Shravasti

The Barabanki-Bahraich highway (NH-927): what happened?

Shravasti is believed to be one of the places where the Buddha spent several monsoon seasons and gave many teachings. Yet poor road links have kept it behind other Buddhist sites. A fast highway from Barabanki to Bahraich brings Shravasti closer to Lucknow.

• The Union Cabinet approved a 101.5 km 4-lane access-controlled Barabanki-Bahraich section of NH-927, which will improve access to Shravasti [PIB].
• Shravasti is believed to be one of the places where the Buddha spent several monsoon seasons [PIB].

What will the highway connect?

• National highways NH-27, NH-330B and NH-730, and state highways SH-13 and SH-30B.
• Airports at Lucknow and Shravasti, and ten railway stations from Barabanki to Bahraich.
• Rupaidiha Land Port, 3 economic nodes, 2 social nodes (aspirational districts) and 12 logistics nodes.
• Towns: Barabanki, Ramnagar, Jarwal, Kaisarganj, Fakharpur, Bahraich.

What benefits are expected?

• Average speeds up from 40 kmph to 80 kmph.
• More pilgrims from countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan and Myanmar.
• Employment of 36.54 lakh person-days direct and 43.04 lakh indirect.

Why does the Barabanki-Bahraich highway (NH-927) matter?

• Tourism: Strengthens the Buddhist circuit in eastern UP.
• Trade: Links to Rupaidiha Land Port on the Nepal border.

What can Prelims ask on the Barabanki-Bahraich highway (NH-927)?

• Barabanki-Bahraich NH-927: 101.51 km; ₹6,969.04 crore; HAM.
• Shravasti: believed to be where the Buddha spent several monsoons.
• Rupaidiha Land Port is linked by the corridor.