Uttar Pradesh is preparing for a massive urban transformation, with tier-II cities Kanpur, Meerut and Mathura poised for a long-overdue infrastructure and economic resurgence.
The state government has outlined a bold investment plan ranging between ₹20,000 crore to ₹35,000 crore over five years, aiming to bring these urban centres on par with recently upgraded cities like Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur. This major push follows a pattern of targeted urban interventions that have already revitalised key pilgrimage and historic cities. With Ayodhya experiencing significant upgrades in anticipation of religious tourism and Prayagraj benefitting from the Kumbh Mela infrastructure boom, attention has now turned to cities with strong industrial, cultural and economic potential that have long awaited similar attention.
Sources familiar with the development initiative confirmed that a detailed presentation will soon be made to the Chief Minister. The proposed projects, to be taken up in phases, will be directly monitored by the Chief Minister’s Office. This top-down approach signals a shift towards centralised governance for urban development, aimed at faster inter-departmental coordination and efficient execution. Meerut, likely to be the first city where the development blueprint is implemented, may serve as the model for similar interventions in Kanpur and Mathura. These cities represent unique development challenges: Kanpur, an old industrial hub, has struggled with outdated infrastructure and pollution; Meerut faces congestion and urban sprawl; Mathura, a centre of spiritual tourism, lacks modern civic infrastructure to support its growing footfall.
At the core of the plan lies an emphasis on upgrading basic urban infrastructure—roads, sewage, drainage, and public amenities. The initiative will also focus on building flyovers and transit corridors to resolve chronic traffic congestion and improve last-mile connectivity. These interventions are intended to foster environmentally resilient urban systems in alignment with the broader goals of creating low-carbon, citizen-centric cities. While the funding allocation will be staggered over five years, the state aims to mobilise resources efficiently, leveraging both state budgets and central schemes. Officials involved in the planning stress that the goal is not just cosmetic changes but a complete transformation of the urban experience making these cities more liveable, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable.
Urban planners and development economists have welcomed the move, especially the commitment to holistic and equitable development across geographies. However, they caution that success will depend on robust monitoring frameworks, inclusive planning, and the ability to minimise displacement and environmental degradation during execution. As Uttar Pradesh redefines its urban growth narrative, the transformation of Kanpur, Meerut and Mathura could serve as a benchmark for the evolution of tier-II cities across India blending tradition, industry, and smart governance.
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