Uttar Pradesh is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, shaking off its former "BIMARU" (an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, suggesting economic backwardness) image to emerge as a dynamic model of development on both national and international stages. This was highlighted by Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna at the TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter on Thursday. Khanna emphasized that this transformation is a result of strong leadership, improved law and order, and a sustained push for infrastructure development across various sectors.
Khanna credited the change to the firm leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that what was once considered impossible – Uttar Pradesh becoming a developed state that attracts investment – is now the "new normal". The state's advancements span primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, with significant progress seen in expressways, airports, irrigation, and food grain production.
The state's economic ambitions are high, aiming to achieve a $1 trillion economy. The manufacturing sector, bolstered by 16 airports and a growing network of expressways, contributes 26.5% to the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while services, particularly tourism and transport, account for 42.5%. Furthermore, long-pending irrigation schemes in rural areas have been delivered, addressing decades of neglect.
Investment momentum is strong in Uttar Pradesh, with nearly ₹15 lakh crore worth of investments grounded since the Yogi government assumed power. This is supported by actual implementation and groundbreaking ceremonies. Minister Khanna also asserted that Uttar Pradesh is now a secure destination for investors, holding the 20th position nationwide in terms of crime rate.
The TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter, held in Lucknow, served as a platform for discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society. The event focused on Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure development and its crucial role in India's journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. Discussions included topics like defence corridors, industrial growth, expressways, transport infrastructure, urban development, smart cities, tourism and heritage infrastructure, river and water management, and healthcare infrastructure development.
Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of The Times of India, emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in achieving India's economic vision. He stated that TOI Dialogues aims to catalyze meaningful conversations, inspire collaborative change, and transform policy into actionable outcomes. The event sought to present policy suggestions and explore public-private partnerships for infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh, linking local projects to national growth goals.
The state's commitment to infrastructure is also evident in its budget allocations. The Uttar Pradesh government, in its budget for the financial year 2025-26, prioritized infrastructure development, technology, education, healthcare, and social welfare, with a capital expenditure representing 20.5% of the total allocation. This underscores the government's focus on industrial expansion, transportation, and investment-driven projects.
Initiatives such as the development of a modern bus terminal at Charbagh under a public-private partnership and the construction of affordable housing units with modern amenities further showcase the state's commitment to improving infrastructure and living standards.
