Uttar Pradesh Government Invests Rs 25,000 Crore in Urban Development Projects

Image credits: The Times of India

The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to invest Rs 25,000 crore in urban development projects, aiming to transform the state's infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The investment will be utilized to develop 100 new townships in the next five years, establish the UP State Capital Region, and expand metro services in six cities, making it the largest metro network in the country. The governor, Anandiben Patel, highlighted the state government's vision for urban development, emphasizing the need for planned growth and infrastructure expansion.

The state government has already initiated several projects, including the construction of over 10,000 crore worth of projects in 17 municipal corporations across the state. The metro services in Kanpur and Agra have been launched in record time, and the country's first RRTS, 'Namo Bharat', has commenced operations in the state. Additionally, the government has enacted the Other Region Development Authority Act, 2024, to facilitate planned development around Lucknow. The governor also informed that 39 lakh drinking water connections have been provided under Amrit Yojana 2.0, and all urban bodies have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).

The state government has also initiated several initiatives to improve infrastructure and quality of life, including the construction of 9 lakh individual toilets and over 69,000 community and public toilets. Community, public, and pink toilets have been built across 1,100 blocks for enhanced women's safety. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), nearly 17 lakh houses have been completed and allotted, and 757 projects worth over Rs 10,300 crore are underway across all 17 municipal corporations. The governor also highlighted that 1.65 crore jobs have been generated in the state through 96 lakh MSME units and the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan.

The state government's efforts to promote economic growth and development have also yielded positive results, with the UP International Trade Show attracting over 500 domestic and international traders and securing business deals worth Rs 2,200 crore. The governor also informed that the state's green cover has expanded significantly, with 139 crore trees planted and protected between 2021-22 and 2024-25. As a result, the state's forest and tree cover now stands at 9.96% of its geographical area, securing second place in the country. The government continues to pursue a zero-tolerance policy against crime and criminals, with 31 mafias and 74 co-offenders convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment since November 2019.

The Uttar Pradesh government's investment in urban development is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy and quality of life. The expansion of metro services, development of new townships, and improvement of infrastructure will create new opportunities for economic growth and development. The state government's focus on environmental protection and sustainability will also contribute to the state's overall development. With the implementation of these projects, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a model state for urban development and infrastructure expansion, setting a precedent for other states to follow. Some of the key initiatives and achievements of the state government include: * Establishment of 100 new townships in the next five years * Expansion of metro services in six cities * Construction of over 10,000 crore worth of projects in 17 municipal corporations * Provision of 39 lakh drinking water connections under Amrit Yojana 2.0 * Declaration of all urban bodies as Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) * Generation of 1.65 crore jobs through 96 lakh MSME units and the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan * Attraction of over 500 domestic and international traders to the UP International Trade Show, securing business deals worth Rs 2,200 crore.