Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that Gorakhpur, which instilled fear in people and lacked basic facilities just 15-20 years ago, is now emerging as a vibrant hub of development, employment and modern tourism.

Speaking at the jetty of Ramgarh Taal following the inauguration of the floating restaurant ‘Float’ on Thursday, Yogi also presented allotment certificates to seven recipients of the Greenwood Apartment residential project of the Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA).

Reflecting on the past, the chief minister noted that Gorakhpur was once synonymous with fear and stagnation. “Seven years ago, the city was distant from any semblance of development, and the area around Ramgarh Taal, where today’s event took place, was infamous for filth and crime. Security had to be tightened for guests and officials, and the city faced severe traffic congestion,” he remarked.

Discussing the transformative changes over the past seven years, Yogi said, “Gorakhpur now boasts four- and six-lane roads, a bustling airport, improved railway connectivity, a revitalised fertiliser factory, and a BRD Medical College that has become a premier medical institution, with AIIMS also now operational.”

The chief minister noted that Ramgarh Taal, once nearly desolate, has now transformed into a vibrant attraction. This expansive natural lake, covering 1,800 acres, is now drawing tourists with its renewed charm. New hotels are opening, and a cruise service has already been launched. With the inauguration of a floating restaurant, Gorakhpur now offers a unique opportunity to enjoy refreshments and dining by the lakeside, he added.

The chief minister emphasised that this modern development is not only enhancing the area’s appeal but also creating new employment opportunities.

The chief minister announced that visitors to Gorakhpur will now enjoy five-star facilities. He highlighted the construction of a ring road around Ramgarh Taal that will transform the area into a full-day destination for families, guests and tourists. The experience will include exploring the lake’s beauty, enjoying the cruise and floating restaurant, and visiting the zoo to connect with nature, he added..

The chief minister praised the city’s nighttime allure, enhanced by excellent lighting, and expressed confidence that the floating restaurant will offer top-notch amenities to both locals and international tourists. He also mentioned upcoming developments, including a new chain of hotels and a convention centre, thanks to Gorakhpur’s improved connectivity.

In his address to the allottees of Greenwood Apartment, Chief Minister Yogi urged the GDA officials to expedite the construction, aiming to complete it six months ahead of schedule while ensuring high quality.

Although the GDA has set a target for July 2027, the chief minister emphasised the goal of finishing the project before Makar Sankranti in 2027.

This will allow the allottees to celebrate the festival in their new homes and receive Makar Sankranti prasad there, Yogi pointed out.

He also highlighted that Greenwood Apartment is being developed in a favorable environment and assured that the value of the flats will appreciate significantly in the coming years.

On this occasion, Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan Shukla remarked that the transformation of Gorakhpur under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership is evident to all. He noted that the city’s remarkable development over the past seven years stands in stark contrast to its previous state.

Dr Manglesh Shrivastava, MLA Vipin Singh, Rajesh Tripathi, Mahendrapal Singh, Dr Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, GDA Board member Durgesh Bajaj, Pawan Tripathi, Radheshyam Shrivastava, Bharatiya Janata Party’s city president Rajesh Gupta and others were present at the function.

GDA Vice-Chairman Anand Vardhan gave detailed information about the floating restaurant and Greenwood Apartment project. 

Meanwhile, after inaugurating the floating restaurant by pressing a button on the jetty at Ramgarh Taal, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proceeded to the venue, where he cut the ribbon at the entrance and congratulated the staff on the successful launch. He then toured all the floors of the floating restaurant, reviewing the facilities and expressing his satisfaction with the arrangements.

Managing director of the floating restaurant, Alok Agarwal, briefed the chief minister on the amenities available.

During the visit, the chief minister also enjoyed some light refreshments at the restaurant. 

The floating restaurant at Ramgarh Taal offers five-star amenities, and according to the GDA, it is the first of its kind in North India. Spanning a total area of 9,600 square feet across three floors, the restaurant can accommodate 100 to 150 guests at a time.