Yogi govt to launch projects worth ~2 trn before LS polls

The Uttar Pradesh government will launch development and infrastructure projects worth more than ~2 trillion before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

While some projects, including Purvanchal Expressway, estimated to cost ~230 billion apart from other projects of about ~600 billion, have already been launched, the Yogi Adityanath government is fast paving the way for laying the foundation of the remaining projects before the general election dates are announced.

On July 14 and 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation of 341 km Purvanchal Expressway and projects worth ~600 billion, respectively. Now, the state is working on hosting another mega ceremony to mark the formal launch of projects worth about ~1 trillion in December 2018.

These will be part of projects for which the Adityanath government had signed an MoU with private and public sector companies during the UP Investors Summit 2018 on 21-22 February, 2018 in Lucknow.

Besides, the government is working on two mega infrastructure projects — Bundelkhand Defence Corridor and Bundelkhand Expressway — for laying their foundation as well before the 2019 poll bugle are sounded and the model code of conduct comes into force.

While the Defence Corridor is expected to get an initial investment of ~200 billion, the 289-km Bundelkhand Expressway, which the state has even proposed to name after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is estimated to cost nearly ~100 billion.

Besides, UP plans to hold CSR Conclave, UP Startup Conclave and Krishi Kumbh to build a pro-industry image and attract investment. The state also had recently organised a mega One District, One Product Summit dedicated to the MSME sector.