In a significant push for green mobility and industrial growth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh jointly inaugurated Ashok Leyland's new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Lucknow on Friday, January 9, 2026.
A Milestone for Uttar Pradesh's Industrial Transformation
The event marked a key moment for the state's ambitions in the electric vehicle sector. The dignitaries toured the new facility and participated in a ceremonial planting of vermilion and Rudraksha saplings. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his congratulations to the Hinduja family for their investment, thanking them for their trust in the Uttar Pradesh government and highlighting the project's profound significance for the state's economy.
Reflecting on the state's journey, CM Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh was once synonymous with lawlessness and dwindling investor confidence. "After we assumed office in 2017, we reaffirmed that Uttar Pradesh is a land of immense potential. Today, the state has shown that it can convert its potential into real outcomes," he remarked. He attributed the remarkable transformation over the past eight-and-a-half years to a resurgence of industry confidence, built on principles of 'Fearless Business', 'Ease of Doing Business', and 'Trust of Doing Business'.
Plant Capacity, Investments, and Broader Economic Vision
The newly inaugurated EV plant begins with an annual manufacturing capacity of 2,500 units, with plans to scale up to 5,000 units in a phased manner. The Chief Minister emphasized that the project aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of fostering industrial growth while protecting the environment and has already created thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the youth.
Showcasing the state's infrastructural prowess, CM Yogi noted that 55% of India's expressways are now in Uttar Pradesh. He added that the state leads in metro connectivity across the highest number of cities, possesses the country's largest rail network, and is crisscrossed by two dedicated freight corridors, alongside operational logistics hubs, rapid rail, and inland waterways.
On the investment front, the Chief Minister revealed staggering figures. He said Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals worth Rs 45 lakh crore over the last 8-9 years. Of this, Rs 15 lakh crore has already been invested on the ground, with another Rs 6 lakh crore slated for groundbreaking next month and Rs 5 lakh crore more in the pipeline. He proudly declared that UP has shed its 'BIMARU' tag and emerged as a revenue-surplus state.
Positioning UP as a Global Economic Powerhouse
Linking the Ashok Leyland plant to the larger national goals, CM Yogi described it as a crucial step towards strengthening 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. He outlined the state's ambitious economic targets, noting that Uttar Pradesh currently contributes 9.5% to India's GDP, with its GSDP expected to touch Rs 36 lakh crore by the end of the current financial year. The state has set its sights on becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029-30.
The state is rapidly becoming a dominant force in electronics and IT, accounting for 55% of India's mobile phone manufacturing and 60% of electronic goods production. It is a top performer in ease of doing business rankings and has made rapid strides in diverse sectors including MSMEs, AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, robotics, electric vehicles, agritech, fintech, deeptech, healthtech, tourism, hospitality, defence manufacturing, and sports. The startup ecosystem is thriving with over 18,000 startups, supported by 76 incubators, seven Centres of Excellence, and eight unicorns.
CM Yogi credited the swift establishment of the Ashok Leyland plant—from MOU signing in September 2023 to a commissioned world-class facility in just 18 months—to the state's fast-track approval system and robust governance under its FDI and Fortune 500 policy.
The inauguration event was attended by Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, MD and CEO Shenu Agarwal, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Cabinet Ministers Suresh Khanna and Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi', Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, MLA Rajeshwar Singh, and other distinguished guests.
