Nitin Gadkari Applauds Uttar Pradesh’s Economic Growth and Infrastructure under Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh’s Transformation: Nitin Gadkari Highlights Key Achievements in Infrastructure and Economy
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently praised Uttar Pradesh (UP) for its remarkable economic and infrastructural progress. Addressing an audience at the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony for various development works worth Rs 1,028 crore, Gadkari emphasized how the state has transformed from being labeled a “BIMARU” state to one of the key contributors to India’s economy.
Gadkari also lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, stating that the state has been transformed under his rule, creating a robust foundation for what he termed “Ram Rajya,” a vision for governance based on justice, peace, and prosperity. According to Gadkari, UP’s rise is crucial for the realization of India’s aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
The Role of Uttar Pradesh in India’s Economic Future
Gadkari outlined the importance of Uttar Pradesh in India’s economic future, noting that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country aims to become a global leader with a target of a $5 trillion economy. He specifically highlighted how Uttar Pradesh’s thriving infrastructure, coupled with enhanced industrial capacity, is pivotal in achieving this ambitious goal.
The development of roads, transport, energy, and communication infrastructure in UP is expected to generate investment, boost industries, and create employment opportunities, according to Gadkari. His comments underscored that building a strong infrastructure backbone is essential for long-term economic growth.
Infrastructure Development: A Game Changer for Uttar Pradesh
In his speech, Gadkari revealed some impressive statistics about UP’s infrastructure progress. He mentioned that over ₹1.25 lakh crore worth of roads have already been completed in the state, with an additional ₹1 lakh crore in ongoing projects and another ₹1 lakh crore in the pipeline. These figures demonstrate the state’s commitment to upgrading its infrastructure.
One of the most notable developments is the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, which is being constructed using “Automated Intelligent Machine and Guided Construction” technology for the first time in India. This cutting-edge technology is designed to ensure superior road quality and zero potholes for the next decade, setting a new standard for road infrastructure in India.
Additionally, a road network worth Rs 75,000 crore is being planned for Purvanchal, connecting cities like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Kolkata, with the goal of enhancing industrial growth in the region. Gadkari urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances to ensure the timely completion of these projects.
Reducing Logistics Costs and Fuel Innovation
The minister also addressed the challenge of logistics costs, which are a major hindrance to economic growth. While logistics costs in countries like the U.S. and China stand at 12% and 8%, respectively, India’s logistics costs had been previously higher at 16%. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government is aiming to reduce this to 9%, a move that could significantly boost the Indian economy by increasing its efficiency and generating millions of new jobs.
Gadkari emphasized the government’s focus on innovative fuel technologies, such as biofuels, ethanol, electric, and CNG vehicles. This strategy not only reduces dependency on traditional fuel sources but also benefits farmers by turning them into energy providers.
Uttar Pradesh’s Industrial Growth and Investment Opportunities
Highlighting industrial growth, Gadkari pointed to Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, which has attracted ₹9.5 lakh crore in industrial investments through the “Advantage Vidarbha” initiative. He also mentioned that Uttar Pradesh has been drawing large-scale industrial investments, owing to the state’s robust infrastructure in electricity, water, and transportation.
Investors are keen on these factors, and Uttar Pradesh’s enhanced infrastructure has made it one of the top choices for setting up industries in India. Gadkari credited Yogi Adityanath’s leadership and his government’s focus on creating a business-friendly environment for this success.
The Economic Impact of Tourism
Another significant contributor to Uttar Pradesh’s economic rise is its flourishing tourism sector. Gadkari highlighted the massive economic impact of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which contributed Rs 3 lakh crore to the state’s GDP. Tourism, he noted, generates high employment with relatively minimal investment, benefiting hotels, taxis, restaurants, small businesses, and local artisans.
With the state’s infrastructure continuing to improve, Gadkari expressed optimism that tourism in Uttar Pradesh will further fuel economic growth and job creation.
NHAI Bonds and Economic Acceleration
In a final note on infrastructure financing, Gadkari highlighted the success of the Central Government’s new investment policy, which includes the listing of NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) bonds on the stock exchange. This initiative has raised thousands of crores in capital, proving that with the right policies and transparency, development can be fast-tracked, ensuring that financial resources are available for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Uttar Pradesh’s Bright Future
Gadkari concluded his address by praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership and his commitment to maintaining strong law and order, which has created a secure environment for both residents and investors. He expressed confidence that with continued efforts, Uttar Pradesh will soon emerge as one of the largest economies in India, playing a crucial role in achieving the national goal of becoming a global economic leader.