In a significant step towards infrastructural development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 114 development projects worth ₹588 crore in Lucknow on Friday. During the event, the Chief Minister made a striking revelation—over 500 million people have taken a holy dip in the Maha Kumbh within a month, and the event is expected to generate a whopping ₹3 lakh crore boost to the state’s economy.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Praises Infrastructure Development
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the rapid infrastructural progress in Uttar Pradesh and credited CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their contributions. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is developing at an unprecedented pace, with numerous infrastructure projects in progress. Expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of these leaders, he urged the audience to stand and applaud for one minute in recognition of their work.
During his address, Singh also highlighted key projects sanctioned for Lucknow by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing road connectivity and overall development.
Maha Kumbh: A Cultural and Economic Phenomenon
CM Yogi Adityanath detailed the impact of Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13. He stressed that the event not only carries immense religious significance but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth.
“In the last one month alone, 500 million people have participated in the Maha Kumbh, sending a strong message of national unity and devotion. This is the new Uttar Pradesh, where infrastructure and cultural grandeur go hand in hand to drive progress,” said the Chief Minister.
He further added that the state’s economy is projected to benefit by approximately ₹3 lakh crore, positioning the Maha Kumbh as a significant contributor to Uttar Pradesh’s economic transformation.
Inauguration of Development Projects Worth ₹588 Crore
The development projects launched included enhancements to roads, highways, bridges, and other public infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and urban development. The event was attended by Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, along with several BJP leaders, party officials, and workers.
Nitin Gadkari Lauds UP’s Progress Towards ‘Ram Rajya’
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari commended CM Yogi Adityanath’s efforts in transforming Uttar Pradesh into a model state, akin to Ram Rajya. He emphasized that infrastructure plays a critical role in making a nation a global leader and that no state can achieve progress without strong infrastructural foundations.
Why Infrastructure Matters for Economic Growth
Gadkari explained that investors are drawn to states with superior infrastructure, robust law enforcement, and lower logistics costs.
“A trader or industrialist prefers to invest in a state where roads are well-built, law and order are strong, and logistics costs are low. Lower logistics costs lead to increased investments, benefiting both the economy and the people,” said the Minister.
He pointed out that India’s logistics costs remain significantly higher than those of the US and China, and the goal is to bring these costs down to single-digit figures. This, he stated, would create a more competitive and investment-friendly environment in India and Uttar Pradesh.
A Brighter Future for Uttar Pradesh
The event marked yet another milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s journey towards economic prosperity and infrastructure-led development. With massive investments, a growing economy, and a thriving cultural landscape, the state is well on its way to becoming a major economic powerhouse in India. The Maha Kumbh’s success and the government’s proactive infrastructure initiatives highlight the state’s transformation under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
