Sultanganj-Deoghar Trail to be Developed

The state government has resolved to develop the entire path from Sultanganj to Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) for the convenience of Kanwarias not only just during the month of Sawan but for the entire year in an attempt to promote tourism in the state, officials in Patna said on Thursday.

At a cost of Rs. 50 lakh, the government is planning to build a bridge between Sultanganj Ghat and Ajgaibinath Temple that would not only tremendously cut down the distance between Sultanganj and Baidyanath Dham, it would also reduce the ruggedness of the otherwise excruciating religious march that deters many to take the annual journey, officials said.

The new road would be built in accordance with the tough specifications of roads in most American and European cities, they said. Furthermore, five roadside rest areas (dharmshalas) would be built along the entire 110 kilometer trail at the cost of Rs. 12 crore to be invested by the state tourism department.

The entire plan is expected to be completed by the next Kanwar season.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Thursday held a high-level meeting with other cabinet members including the Road Construction Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, Urban Development Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, and Health Minister Chandramohan Rai to review the preparedness of this year's Sawan fair that begins on July 31.

Modi instructed the officials to ensure all ditches on the Sultanganj-Deoghar trail were patched, water and electricity were provided without any interruption, and clean rest areas were provided for the devotees.