Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday inaugurated two key four-lane flyovers in Lucknow to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the city. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
According to an official statement, the three-kilometre-long Indira Nagar Sector 25-Khurram Nagar-Kalyanpur Flyover is constructed at a cost of Rs 270 crore, and the Polytechnic-Munshi Pulia Chauraha Flyover (2 km) is built at a cost of Rs 170 crore.
The chief minister also said that Lucknow is being developed as both an Aero City and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) City.
In addition, 114 development projects worth Rs 588 crore were also inaugurated, marking a major leap in the state’s infrastructure growth.
Speaking at the event, the CM highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Uttar Pradesh into a modern hub of industry and innovation.
“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh is equipped with world-class infrastructure and public services, benefiting every citizen,” he said.
He also emphasised the role of Union Minister Rajnath Singh in propelling Uttar Pradesh’s development, particularly in the defence sector.
Singh’s contributions include advancing the BrahMos missile manufacturing project in Lucknow and bringing key initiatives under the Defence Corridor, which is strengthening the state as a defence manufacturing powerhouse, Adityanath said.
He added that plans are underway to connect the Yamuna and Purvanchal Expressways, further establishing the city as a key transportation hub.
In a related development, the CM lauded the success of the Maha Kumbh, describing it as a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and economic prosperity.
Over eight crore devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, with efficient arrangements ensuring a seamless experience, he said, while giving credit to the double-engine government’s administrative efficiency for the successful handling of the massive influx of devotees.
“The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious event, but also a major economic driver for Uttar Pradesh,” he said, adding that the event is expected to contribute Rs 3 lakh crore to the state’s economy.
Addressing the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “In a recent international survey, Lucknow has been included among the fastest-growing cities in the world, with rapidly increasing land prices.” He recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasizing that concrete steps have been taken to develop urban and rural infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh in line with his vision.
Expanding air connectivity, he mentioned that Lucknow Airport is being developed to enhance international flight services. He also said that the BrahMos missile manufacturing project, part of the Defence Corridor, will be inaugurated in May-June this year, marking a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s industrial growth.
The defence minister requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to approve additional road and infrastructure projects for Lucknow, which were granted approval. He said that these initiatives will be milestones in transforming Lucknow into a world-class city and expressed confidence that in the coming years, Lucknow will rank among India’s top cities, with Uttar Pradesh playing a crucial role in the country’s economic progress.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India aims to become a global leader and a USD 5 trillion economy, with Uttar Pradesh playing a crucial role in achieving this target.” He mentioned that strong infrastructure in roads, water, energy, transport, and communication will boost industries, attract investment, and create new employment opportunities.
Highlighting infrastructure development in UP, Gadkari said that Rs 1.25 lakh crore worth of roads have been completed, Rs 1 lakh crore worth of projects are under construction, and another Rs 1 lakh crore worth of projects are in the pipeline.
“Additionally, to drive industrial growth in Purvanchal, a Rs 75,000 crore road network is planned from Varanasi to Kolkata and Gorakhpur to Siliguri,” Gadkari said.
The Union Minister further highlighted the massive economic impact of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, stating that the event contributed Rs 3 lakh crore to Uttar Pradesh’s GDP.
He emphasised that tourism is a sector that generates high employment with minimal investment, benefiting hotels, taxis, restaurants, small businesses, and local artisans. He added that the growth of infrastructure and tourism will further strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s economy.
During the event, the CM announced various projects, including new flood pumping stations, deep tube wells, and a musical and sports park in CG City.
The foundation stones for key infrastructure projects, including new housing units and bridges over the Gomti River, were also laid.
The event was also attended by several leaders, including Union Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, UP Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and various MPs and MLAs.
