In a bid to accelerate industrial development across the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to establish an industrial belt along its expressways. A sum of Rs 3,000 crore in interest-free loan has been allocated to the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to facilitate this ambitious project.
Additionally, the government has given the green light to the creation of a Pharma Park in Lalitpur.
These decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting held under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna explained that UPEIDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading the development of the industrial belt along the expressways.
The Rs 3,000-crore interest-free loan will bolster the establishment of warehouses and logistic parks essential for seamless industrial operations.
A Pharma Park will be established in Lalitpur. The land, previously managed by the animal husbandry department, has been transferred to the Industrial department for this purpose.
Khanna emphasised the significance of this move, saying, “We lacked a dedicated pharma park. During the investors’ summit, we witnessed the interest of 104 pharmaceutical companies in investing here, which culminated in the signing of MoUs worth Rs 1 lakh crore.”
Furthermore, the cabinet has earmarked Rs 500 crore for the maintenance of urban roads. The funds will be allocated for the development of roads between 45 and 10 meters. This initiative will not only ensure a modernised road infrastructure but also incorporate various amenities such as green spaces, public toilets, e-charging stations, and pedestrian facilities.
The endeavour is part of the Mukhya Mantri Green Road Infrastructure Development Scheme (CM GRIDS), which includes guidelines that reward municipalities for increasing revenue with additional funds.
In another significant development, a sewer system will be constructed in Fatehpur at an estimated cost of Rs 293.68 crore, covering a distance of 123 kilometres. This project aims to improve sanitation and hygiene in the region.
The government has also allocated Rs 50 crore for the beautification and development of the places of religious and historic importance across the state.
Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, cooked food will be provided through over 1.82 lakh Anganwadi centres catering to children aged 3-6 years.
This initiative, akin to the mid-day meal programme, will be funded with 50 per cent contributions from the state government and the remainder from the Centre.
In a move to upgrade bus transportation facilities, the government plans to develop bus stands with amenities comparable to airports.
Initially, five bus stands have been identified for transformation — Lucknow, Agra, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, and Ghaziabad. There are plans to expand this model to 18 more bus stands in the future.
