45-km highway to connect Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul and Mahavan

AGRA: To boost religious tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to construct a 45-km long four-lane highway connecting pilgrimage sites of Vrindavan , Mathura, Gokul, and Mahavan. The highway will be built at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore and over 21.5-km portion of the stretch will be elevated, one of the longest in the country.

A detailed draft of the plan has been sent to the Union ministry of road transport and highways for approval. The proposed project includes creation of adequate parking space, beautification of the Yamuna ghats along the way.

Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad vice-president Shailjakant Mishra said that the proposal was approved by the chief minister in a recent meeting and it has been sent to the Union ministry by the chief secretary for approval.

Mishra said that though it remains to be sanctioned, it is a good project and will boost the religious tourism in the towns.

“This alternate route will give direct access to places like Kans Quila, Vishram ghat and Banke Bihari temple. People will not have to face traffic jam and congestion for reaching there,” he said.

According to the proposal, a suspension bridge will also be constructed to cross the Yamuna. To curb pollution, only battery-powered rickshaws will run on it.

In 2017, the state government had set up Braj Teerth Development Board for development of important pilgrimage centres. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit Mathura to pay homage to Lord Krishna.