In the last 9 years, a big change has been seen in the infrastructure of Uttar Pradesh. With the expansion of expressways, airports, waterways and industrial corridors, the state is rapidly growing as an emerging logistics and investment hub of the country.
Uttar Pradesh, which was once in the news for bad roads and poor connectivity, is now presenting a rapidly changing picture. There has been a huge expansion in the field of infrastructure in the state in the last nine years. Projects like expressways, airports, waterways and multi-modal connectivity have not only made travel easier but have also opened up new avenues of investment and employment. Experts believe that strong infrastructure is the backbone of the economic progress of any state. In this direction, Uttar Pradesh has taken many big steps in the last few years, due to which the state is now being seen as the emerging logistics and industrial hub of the country.
What was the situation before 2017?
Before the year 2017, the scope of infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh was limited. At that time only two expressways were operational in the state and connectivity was weak in many areas. The pace of large-scale industrial corridors or planned land development for industries was also slow. Due to high logistics costs, industries had to spend more time and money in transportation of goods. There was also limited expansion in the aviation sector and the state was not considered very attractive as a major investment destination. At that time, no major infrastructure was developed even in the direction of waterways and multi-modal connectivity.
Picture changed rapidly in 9 years
In the last 9 years, there has been a rapid change in the field of infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. While there were only 2 expressways in 2017, now a total of 22 expressways have been planned in the state. Of these, 7 expressways are operational, 5 are under construction and 10 are proposed. Today about 55 percent of the total expressway network of the country passes through Uttar Pradesh. Due to this, the travel time between many districts of the state has reduced considerably and transportation of goods has also become easier.
Industrial areas being built along the expressway
About 5,300 hectares of land has been identified at 27 locations in 26 districts to promote industrial development around these expressways. Industrial units and logistics parks will be developed here in future. In this sequence, Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) has been formed in the Bundelkhand region. After about 47 years, the foundation of a new industrial city has been laid here, opening up new possibilities for development in an area of about 56,662 acres.
Improvement in exports and investment also
The effect of improvement in infrastructure is also visible in the field of exports. Uttar Pradesh has reached the fourth position in the ‘Export Preparedness Index 2024’, whereas in 2022 it was at the seventh position. The state ranks first among landlocked states. Due to improvements in the logistics sector, freight transportation time has reduced and costs have also reduced. This has increased the competitiveness of industries and strengthened the confidence of investors.
Connectivity in water, land and sky
Not only roads but also water and air connectivity have been strengthened in the state. The country’s first multi-modal terminal has been built in Varanasi, where road, rail and waterways have been connected. Apart from this, terminals and freight villages are being developed in Ramnagar, Chandauli, Mirzapur and Ghazipur, so that the transportation of goods can be made easier. There has also been progress in the field of road construction. On an average, construction, widening and improvement of roads is being done at the rate of 19 kilometers per day.
The state has also seen huge expansion in the aviation sector. At present there are 16 airports operating in Uttar Pradesh, including 4 international airports. Apart from this, work is going on on 8 new airports. In the coming time, after the opening of Jewar International Airport being built near Noida, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state in the country to have 5 international airports.
Experts believe that strong infrastructure is the basis of development of any state. Expansion of expressway network, multi-modal connectivity and development of industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh will further reduce logistics costs.
This will increase investment in the state, give impetus to industries and create employment opportunities on a large scale. This infrastructure can play an important role in making Uttar Pradesh a strong engine of the country’s economy in the coming years.