In a significant push for green mobility and industrial growth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, officially opened Ashok Leyland's new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Lucknow on Friday, January 9, 2026. The event marks a major milestone in the state's ambition to become a leading hub for electric mobility and sustainable manufacturing.
A Boost for Jobs and Green Mobility
The newly inaugurated facility represents a substantial investment in Uttar Pradesh's future. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the plant currently possesses an annual manufacturing capacity of 2,500 units, with plans to scale this up to 5,000 units in a phased manner. This project is directly aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of fostering industrial development while prioritizing environmental protection.
The plant is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, creating thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly for the youth of the state. During the inauguration, the dignitaries took a tour of the advanced facility and participated in a ceremonial planting of vermilion and Rudraksha saplings, symbolizing growth and prosperity.
Transforming Uttar Pradesh's Economic Landscape
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath drew a sharp contrast between the state's past and its current trajectory. He recalled that before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was often associated with lawlessness and a crisis of investor confidence. "Today, Uttar Pradesh has shed the 'BIMARU' tag and emerged as a revenue-surplus state," he declared, highlighting a profound transformation over the past eight-and-a-half years.
The Chief Minister credited this change to a governance model built on "Fearless Business," "Ease of Doing Business," and "Trust of Doing Business." He revealed staggering investment figures, stating that Uttar Pradesh has received proposals worth Rs 45 lakh crore in the last 8-9 years. Of this, Rs 15 lakh crore has already been grounded, with another Rs 6 lakh crore slated for groundbreaking next month and Rs 5 lakh crore in the pipeline.
Infrastructure and Sectoral Growth Driving Investments
CM Yogi detailed the robust infrastructure that now makes Uttar Pradesh an attractive destination for global investors. He noted that 55% of India's expressways are in UP, the state has the largest rail network in the country, and it is served by two dedicated freight corridors. Furthermore, metro services, rapid rail, inland waterways, and logistics hubs are operational, creating a seamless connectivity web.
The state's economic ambitions are clear. With a current contribution of 9.5% to India's GDP, Uttar Pradesh aims to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029-30. Its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to reach Rs 36 lakh crore by the end of the current financial year.
Beyond electric vehicles, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly ascending as a global powerhouse in electronics and IT, accounting for 55% of India's mobile phone manufacturing and 60% of electronic goods production. The state also boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem with over 18,000 startups, supported by 76 incubators and is home to eight unicorns.
The Ashok Leyland plant itself is a testament to the state's efficient governance. The project moved swiftly from an MoU signed in September 2023, to land allotment in January 2024, and was commissioned as a world-class facility within just 18 months, thanks to fast-track approvals. The event was also attended by Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, MD and CEO Shenu Agarwal, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, and several state ministers.
