- Deoghar-Basukinath four-lane highway opens July 25.
- Travel time cut to 45-50 minutes for pilgrims.
- Dedicated Kanwaria path enhances pilgrim safety and convenience.
Jagran Correspondent, Basukinath (Dumka): During the annual Shravani Mela, hundreds of thousands of devotees travel to Baba Basukinath temple after collecting water from the Uttarvahini Ganga Ghat in Ajaibinath and offering prayers at Deoghar.
The vast majority of these pilgrims rely on road transport for their journey, with 90 per cent travelling via small four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and buses. In contrast, only five to six per cent of pilgrims travel on foot, while another five per cent arrive by train.
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Highway Diversions Increase Travel Time In 2025
Last year, in 2025, construction work on National Highway 114 A forced authorities to reroute traffic. Travellers were allowed to enter Basukinath from Saraiyahat, Hansdiha, and Nonihat via the Chaupa turn. This alternative route significantly increased travel time and fuel consumption for the pilgrims, Jagran.com reported.
NH 114A Four-Lane Nears Completion Ahead Of Shravani Mela 2026
The 45.159-kilometre four-lane project on National Highway 114A, connecting Basukinath and Deoghar, is now in its final stages. The inauguration is set for July 25. This timing is crucial, as the opening comes just ahead of the annual Shravani Mela, which begins on July 30.
This aims to ease traffic flow for motorists while providing a smoother and safer route for the thousands of pilgrims travelling on foot.
"This road will benefit both vehicular traffic and pilgrims travelling on foot with holy water to Baba Basukinath. The improved infrastructure is expected to increase pilgrim turnout and encourage the expansion of the fair area. Additionally, the new bypass will eliminate traffic congestion in the main market during peak hours, reducing the travel time between Deoghar and Basukinath from an hour and a quarter down to 45 or 50 minutes," Dr Nishikant Dubey, Godda MP, said.
Dedicated Kanwaria Path
To ensure the convenience and safety of pilgrims travelling to Baidyanath on foot with water, a dedicated Kanwaria path is being constructed on National Highway 114A. The path is 36.044 kilometres long and 3.5 meters wide.
"Road construction is in its final stages to ensure a safe and smooth journey for devotees. The Deoghar-Basukinath four-lane project includes both a main road and a dedicated Kanwaria path, which is being made accessible and safe. It will be dedicated to the public and Kanwarias ahead of the Shravan Mela," Jagran.com quoted PR Pandey, Project Director, NHAI, as saying.