 Agencies
LUCKNOW, Feb 14: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, said that Lucknow is being developed not only as an Aero City but also as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) City under the leadership of the double-engine government.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated two major four-lane flyovers in Lucknow. During this, the CM said, "Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh is now equipped with modern facilities, providing every citizen with better infrastructure and public services."
The inaugurated projects include the Indira Nagar Sector 25 to Khurram Nagar-Kalyanpur Flyover (3 km), built at a cost of Rs 270 crore, and the Polytechnic to Munshi Pulia Chauraha Flyover (2 km), constructed for Rs 170 crore. During the event, a total of 114 development projects worth Rs 588 crore were also inaugurated and foundation stones were laid for future initiatives.
The Chief Minister mentioned that Lucknow has been gifted development projects worth over Rs 1000 crore, including two major National Highway projects costing Rs 440 crore and state projects worth nearly Rs 600 crore. He highlighted that efforts are being made to develop Lucknow into a metro-level city with world-class infrastructure.
The CM praised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for his significant contribution to Uttar Pradesh's development. He highlighted Singh's crucial role in advancing the BrahMos missile manufacturing project under Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Lucknow and bringing major projects to Jhansi, strengthening UP as a defense manufacturing hub under the Defence Corridor initiative.
Discussing Lucknow's transformation, CM Yogi stated that the city is being systematically developed on the model of a State Capital Region. Key projects like Green Corridor, Kisan Path, International Convention Center, and an International Airport are shaping Lucknow into a global city. Additionally, plans are underway to connect Yamuna Expressway and Purvanchal Expressway, positioning Lucknow as a transportation hub.
The Chief Minister described the historic Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj as a symbol of Uttar Pradesh's cultural and economic prosperity. He highlighted that 50 crore devotees have already taken the sacred dip, showcasing the state's strength and efficient management.
He mentioned that the Mahakumbh is held on land leased from the Defence Ministry, which the state government has been acquiring smoothly for the past eight years. For the first time, devotees are able to visit Akshayavat, Patalpuri, and Saraswati Koop, which were historically restricted sites.
"To accommodate the massive influx of devotees, the state has enhanced connectivity via road, rail, and air. 40 regular flights are linking Prayagraj to major cities, while hundreds of special trains have been deployed. Most devotees are arriving by road, with infrastructure projects approved by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari playing a crucial role."
On Mauni Amavasya, a staggering 8 crore devotees bathed at the Sangam, and the seamless arrangements ensured zero disruption, the CM said. He attributed this success to the administrative efficiency of the double-engine government.
"Mahakumbh is not just a religious event but also a major economic driver for Uttar Pradesh. The grand festival would contribute Rs 3 lakh crore to the state's economy," he said.
Addressing concerns over the event's expenditure, he clarified that the Rs 1,500 crore investment was aimed at revitalizing Prayagraj, and in return, the state is set to gain significant economic benefits. The event is expected to provide a major boost to tourism and trade.
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