A kitchen buzzing with the aroma of freshly fried dough, lovingly soaked in sweet sugar syrup to create the delectable delight known as “Balu Shahi.” This treat holds a special place in the hearts of folks in Uttar Pradesh, especially during the lively month of June. But amidst the cooking and sweetness, there’s a different kind of buzz in the air, the anticipation of elections.
As the ballots are counted and political fortunes hang in the balance, everyone wonders, who will have the pleasure of savouring the sweetness of Balu Shahi? BJP’s catchy slogans hint at victory, but nobody can predict the outcome for sure. Some say it all comes down to how people feel about Yogi Adityanath’s leadership. With BJP’s strong presence in the state and iconic sites like Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, the competition is tough.
During Yogi Adityanath’s reign, Uttar Pradesh flourished economically, contributing a solid 9.2% to the national income. This growth story was vividly portrayed in the state’s GDP, which skyrocketed to a whopping 22.58 lakh crore in 2022-23. Now, the big question is, Was this economic makeover the result of Akhilesh Yadav’s past policies or the magic touch of Yogi’s administration?
Yogi’s ambitious goal is to turn Uttar Pradesh into a trillion-dollar economy within five years, aiming for a whopping 32% growth rate. But let’s not forget the 4.12 lakh crore investments the state received between 2017 and 2022. What sparked this influx of funds, and what does it mean for Uttar Pradesh’s future? That’s the million-dollar question, quite literally!
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s tenure in Uttar Pradesh has been marked by a steadfast dedication to propelling the state into a new era of growth and development. Central to this vision has been the emphasis on infrastructural development, serving as a cornerstone in driving Uttar Pradesh towards unprecedented progress. This article seeks to comprehensively explore the diverse infrastructural transformations undertaken under his leadership and assess their profound implications for the state’s overall trajectory of growth.
Infrastructural Developments
Transportation Infrastructure: Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a transformative push in infrastructure development under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Ambitious projects like the Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, and Ganga Expressway epitomise the state government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth. These expansive road networks, complemented by nearly four lakh kilometres of road network and 11,000 kilometres of highway network, serve as catalysts for fostering trade, commerce, and industrial development. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh boasts the country’s largest railway network covering nearly 9,000 kilometres, all of which is electrified, ensuring efficient transportation solutions for the state’s populace.
Moreover, the government’s focus on improving road connectivity is evident through ongoing projects like the Yamuna, Agra, Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, and the upcoming Ganga Expressway. These expressways are vital lifelines connecting urban centres with remote regions, thereby stimulating economic growth across the state. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh is set to become the first state in India to host 21 airports, with five domestic and three international airports already operational. This remarkable achievement underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering aviation infrastructure, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
Furthermore, the recent budget allocation for critical infrastructure projects underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering transportation infrastructure. With significant funds allocated for projects like the Ganga Expressway, Ayodhya’s development, expansion of international airports, and road development to religious sites, Uttar Pradesh is poised for a significant transformation. These investments, including Rs 2,057 crore for the Ganga Expressway and Rs 1,750 crore for road development to religious sites, promise to enhance connectivity within the state and pave the way for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
Energy Sector Advancements:Uttar Pradesh is set to reach a remarkable milestone in its power generation capacity, aiming for 12,800 megawatts. This achievement highlights the state’s unwavering commitment to expanding energy access while prioritising sustainability. Since 2017, the efforts to electrify villages have been monumental, from 128,494 villages to 249,818 villages last year, ensuring widespread access to electricity. Additionally, the state has seen a remarkable surge in solar energy, increasing from 288 megawatts in 2017 to an impressive 2,596 megawatts today, showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s dedication to renewable energy adoption. Initiatives like developing Ayodhya and Kashi as Solar Cities and transforming the Bundelkhand Expressway into a Solar Expressway demonstrate innovative approaches to urban planning and infrastructure.
Tourism Promotion: The tourism sector in Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable resurgence since Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister, with projected tax revenues soaring to Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the 2024 fiscal year. Supported by the completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and proactive tourism initiatives, tourist expenditure in the state is anticipated to surpass Rs 4 lakh crore by year-end, nearly doubling compared to 2022. Domestic tourists alone spent around Rs 2.2 lakh crore in Uttar Pradesh in 2022, with an additional Rs 10,000 crore contributed by tourists from other states. Notably, Ayodhya welcomed 2.21 crore visitors in 2022, reflecting the state’s growing appeal as a tourist destination. The state’s tourism policy, effective since November 2022, aims to attract investment, stimulate private sector participation, and enhance the capacity of tourism service providers, showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s rich diversity of globally acclaimed tourist destinations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This surge in tourism has spurred improvements in physical and digital infrastructure, enhancing connectivity across the state and positioning Uttar Pradesh as a frontrunner in Indian GDP by FY28. The state’s tourism slogan, ‘UP Nahi Dekha Toh India Nahi Dekha’, encapsulates its diverse cultural, spiritual, and natural treasures, enticing tourists from across the globe. With over 31 lakh tourists visiting between January and September last year, and Varanasi emerging as a top tourist destination, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as India’s preferred tourist hotspot. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to develop religious sites, including Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura, has further catalysed tourism growth, with upcoming events like Mahakumbh 2025 poised to attract millions of devotees.
Law and Order Enhancement: Uttar Pradesh, home to more people than Pakistan or Bangladesh, has undergone a significant transformation in its law and order situation over the past eight years. Once plagued by rampant crime and political interference, the state has made remarkable strides in ensuring public safety and security. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data from 2021, despite comprising nearly 17% of the country’s population, Uttar Pradesh reported just over 11% of crimes nationwide, ranking 20th out of 28 states and eight Union Territories. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state has witnessed a notable decline in crime, particularly in murder and rape cases, with murder cases decreasing from 4,324 in 2017 to 3,779 in 2020, and reported incidents of rape dropping from 4,246 to 2,769 during the same period.
Moreover, Uttar Pradesh has achieved significant success in securing convictions for crimes against women, with the charge-sheeting rate for such crimes rising from 71.6% in 2017 to 76.5% in 2021, while the pendency rate decreased from 21.8% to 17.4%. This improvement in law and order is attributed to the comprehensive approach of the Uttar Pradesh Police, which emphasises preventive measures alongside punitive actions. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s unwavering support for the police force and his efforts to insulate it from political interference have further bolstered crime control efforts and enhanced public safety. Adityanath asserts that the state’s improved security situation has not only facilitated industrial growth but also generated job opportunities, highlighting the pivotal role of law and order in Uttar Pradesh’s economic development and prosperity.
Continuity and Challenges
Yogi Adityanath’s governance paradigm, characterised by a judicious blend of developmental initiatives and Hindutva ideology, has elicited widespread acclaim and garnered substantial electoral mandates. However, as the state embarks on the next phase of its evolutionary odyssey, formidable challenges loom on the horizon. The imperative to sustain social welfare schemes, formulate innovative policies for long-term development, and address bureaucratic inefficiencies necessitate an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and equitable progress. Furthermore, the burgeoning landscape of socio-political dynamics underscores the need for astute manoeuvring and visionary leadership to navigate the labyrinth of challenges and unlock the state’s boundless potential.
As Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath nears the end of his second term leading Uttar Pradesh, the narrative of infrastructural metamorphosis stands as a testament to the state’s unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit. While significant strides have been made on the path to progress, Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward renaissance is fraught with challenges and opportunities. Through visionary leadership, astute governance, and unyielding determination, the state is poised to chart a course of unparalleled prosperity and inclusive development, ushering in a new era of hope and aspiration for millions of its citizens.
