National Highway 227B (India)
National Highway in India
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National Highway 227B (NH 227B), also known as the 84-Kosi Parikrama Marg, is a newly declared national highway in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.[1] It roughly follows the traditional 84-kosi (about 240 km) circumambulation route around the sacred city of Ayodhya.[2] The highway spans five districts – Ayodhya, Basti, Ambedkar Nagar, Barabanki, and Gonda – linking numerous temples and pilgrimage sites associated with Lord Rama.[1][3]
 | |
|---|---|
| 84-Kosi Parikrama Marg | |
| Route information | |
| Length | 240 km (150 mi) |
| Major junctions | |
| From | Makhauda Dham, Basti |
| To | Ayodhya |
| Location | |
| Country | India |
| States | Uttar Pradesh |
| Highway system | |
Route description
NH 227B forms a loop ("parikrama") around Ayodhya. The road starts near Makhauda Dham in Basti district and terminates in the city of Ayodhya.[1] Major waypoints include Sarpur (Basti), Gosaiganj (Barabanki), Bikapur and Patranga (Ayodhya/Ambedkar Nagar), and Bahuwan (near the Ambedkar Nagar/Gonda boundary). Key junctions include a crossing of NH 27 (Lucknow–Varanasi highway) near Gosaiganj.[2]
| Location | District | Distance from Makhauda (km) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makhauda Dham (start) | Basti | 0.0 | Temple/pilgrimage site (84-kosi start) |
| Sarpur | Basti | 29.0 | Rural town |
| Gosaiganj | Barabanki | 47.9 | Junction with NH 27 |
| Bikapur | Ayodhya | 73.3 | Town on route to Ayodhya |
| Patranga | Ambedkar Nagar | 140.96 | - |
| Bahuwan Madar Majha | Ambedkar Nagar* | 160.20 | Near Ambedkar Nagar/Gonda border |
| Ayodhya (Ramkot area) | Ayodhya | ~240 | End of route |
- Approximate district.
Historical and cultural significance
The 84-kosi parikrama around Ayodhya is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage tradition associated with Lord Rama.[3] Completing the full parikrama, which touches dozens of sacred sites (up to 148), is believed to have great religious merit.[2] The Ayodhya development plan includes the "Sri Ram Avtaran Corridor" along this route, linking 21 major Rama-related temples and ghats.[2]
Infrastructure and construction
NH 227B is being built/upgraded mainly as a two-lane highway with wide paved shoulders. The project is divided into multiple construction packages:[4]
- Package I: Jagarnathpur–Makhauda–Sarpur (~36 km)
- Package II: Sarpur–Gosaiganj (~18.88 km)
- Package III: Gosaiganj–Bikapur (~25.5 km)
- Package IV: Bikapur–Patranga (~67.66 km)
In December 2024, HG Infra secured a ₹899 crore contract to upgrade a 63.84 km portion between Bahuwan Madar Majha and Jagarnathpur.[5] Pre-construction activities, including land acquisition and surveying, are underway.[4]
Government initiatives and funding
NH 227B was formally notified by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. A 2022 Gazette notification refers to the "improvement and up-gradation of newly declared NH-227B (84 Kosi Parikrama Marg)".[6] Funding has been reported at around ₹4,200 crore, shared between NHAI and the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department.[2]
Connectivity and transport importance
NH 227B improves connectivity in Purvanchal by linking five districts around Ayodhya. It connects existing highways, including NH 27 at Gosaiganj, providing a continuous road circuit for pilgrims and local travelers.[3] It supports regional trade, tourism, and religious events, particularly linked to the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya.[2]