Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, inaugurated a new electric vehicle manufacturing facility by Ashok Leyland in Lucknow's Sarojininagar, marking a significant milestone in the state's industrial resurgence. He declared that Uttar Pradesh has successfully converted its "limitless potential into tangible outcomes," emerging as a premier destination for investors.
From Lawlessness to a State of Celebration: UP's Economic Turnaround
Addressing the gathering, which included Union Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh, CM Yogi contrasted the state's current vibrancy with its pre-2017 condition. He recalled an era marked by widespread lawlessness and investor exodus. "After assuming office, we reaffirmed that this is a land of unlimited potential. Today, Uttar Pradesh has become a state that converts this potential into tangible outcomes," he stated, citing the clear evidence of change over the past eight-and-a-half years.
The Chief Minister attributed this transformation to decisive governance, fast-track approvals, and policy certainty, which enabled the world-class EV plant to be completed in a record 18 months. He emphasised that policy paralysis is now a thing of the past, with the state boasting 34 sector-specific policies to provide clarity and confidence to businesses.
Infrastructure and Investment: Building a New Uttar Pradesh
CM Yogi detailed the massive infrastructure push underpinning the state's growth. He highlighted that investments are now reaching all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The state's connectivity backbone is formidable, comprising:
- 55% of India's expressways.
- Metro services in the highest number of cities nationwide.
- The upcoming launch of the country's first rapid rail and inland waterways.
- Two dedicated freight corridors passing through the state.
This robust ecosystem has fueled an unprecedented investment pipeline. Over the past 8–9 years, UP has received investment proposals worth ₹45 lakh crore. Groundbreaking for projects worth ₹15 lakh crore is complete, with another ₹6 lakh crore set to begin next month. Proposals for an additional ₹5 lakh crore are in advanced stages.
Skilling Youth and Driving the EV Revolution
The newly inaugurated Ashok Leyland plant, with an initial annual capacity of 2,500 units scaling up to 5,000 units, is central to the state's green industrial vision. CM Yogi linked it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental protection and preparing for global challenges like climate change.
To ensure local talent benefits, the Hinduja Group will sign an MoU with the state government to train 10,000 youth annually at the plant. "The EV sector is vital for developing new skills, embracing emerging technologies, and preparing youth for future-ready employment," the CM said, adding that ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering institutions are being strengthened to support this transition.
Highlighting the broader economic metrics, CM Yogi noted that Uttar Pradesh now contributes 9.5% to India's GDP, with a projected GSDP of ₹36 lakh crore for the current financial year. The state leads in electronics manufacturing, producing 55% of India's mobile phones and 60% of electronic goods, and nurtures over 18,000 startups.
"Uttar Pradesh is no longer a BIMARU state; it is now revenue-surplus, with strong governance and a clear vision," he concluded, positioning UP as a state where trust, transformation, and opportunity converge to turn potential into tangible progress.
