2025.05.13 (Vrindavan Today News): Fresh momentum is building to develop the sacred 84-Kos Parikrama Marg after a long pause. The 299-kilometre pilgrimage route that connects devotees with the life and divine pastimes of Shri Krishna across the Braj region has been conceptualized to be broadened and developed. The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UBTVP) is preparing to resubmit its ambitious proposal for the approval and funding from the Central Government, aiming to transform the age-old parikrama path into a world-class spiritual corridor.
Originally conceptualised two years ago following the efforts of Member of Parliament Hema Malini, the project was envisioned on the scale of Ayodhya’s spiritual development. At that time, an estimated investment of ₹5,000 crore (approx. USD 600 million) was outlined. However, financial constraints led the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to shelve the proposal temporarily. Now, correspondence has resumed at the departmental level, and efforts are once again being made to realize this vision on the ground.
Spanning across three Indian states — Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana — the 84-Kos Parikrama Marg traverses 184 kilometres within Uttar Pradesh, 70 kilometres through Rajasthan, and 45 kilometres in Haryana. The route interlinks dozens of sacred sites associated with the birth and lilas (divine activities) of Shri Krishna. Historically walked by saints and devotees for centuries, the parikrama embodies an immersive spiritual experience within the land of Braj.
According to the Council’s proposal, the revitalised route will feature a modern four-lane road to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims. The path will intersect the Yamuna River at four significant locations and cross national highways at another four junctions, ensuring seamless connectivity for pilgrims travelling from across the country and abroad.
Comprehensive Planning and Infrastructure
As part of its development blueprint, the UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has identified 36 major halt points or ‘padavs’ along the 84-Kos route. These include 28 in Uttar Pradesh, 7 in Rajasthan, and 1 in Haryana. These resting points will be equipped to provide lodging, sanitation, information centers, and cultural exhibits, ensuring the spiritual integrity of the pilgrimage is preserved while also catering to the comfort of the modern devotee.
The CEO of BTVP, Shri S.B. Singh, confirmed that the council is expediting preparations to commence work. “The proposal is being finalised, and we are in the process of engaging with both the central and state governments for approval and funding,” he noted.
A Spiritual and Cultural Renaissance
If approved, the project is poised not just to enhance infrastructure but to catalyse a renaissance in spiritual tourism, cultural preservation, and local economy. The revitalized parikrama could stand as a monumental expression of India’s commitment to heritage conservation.
The 84-Kos Parikrama Marg is more than a path — it is a living embodiment of devotion, history, and faith that has coursed through the veins of Bharat’s spiritual consciousness for millennia. With the renewed initiative of the UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and support from state and central governments, this sacred journey may soon welcome the world in a new light — respectfully preserving its ancient essence while embracing the infrastructure of the future.
Critical view
While the initiative will bring development in Braj and there will be more foot fall, some locals have criticized that the Vrindavan Parikrama could not be improved, the sacred dust of Braj could not be preserved, the ghats remained in disrepair, and the sewage flowing into the Yamuna couldn’t be stopped. This project will be just another project to encourage illegal colonization as it has expanded in the Vrindavan and Govardhan Parikrama routes. In similar way, the Braj Parikrama is being attempted to be exploited to benefit land mafias and builders.
