Uttar Pradesh has recorded a 15% growth rate in infrastructure development in the last financial year, marking a significant stride towards its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
This progress, encompassing roads, railways, and aviation, is particularly evident along the Indo-Nepal border, underscoring the state’s strategic importance in regional connectivity. At a recent high-level workshop on Border Infrastructure and Connectivity in the BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal) Sub-Region, hosted by Invest UP, Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of Infrastructure and Industrial Development, highlighted the state’s remarkable progress over the past eight years. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is now realizing its full potential, transitioning from a ‘sleeping giant’ to a pivotal player in infrastructure development. The workshop underscored the importance of strengthened connectivity with Nepal and other BBIN nations in driving mutual prosperity. Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary and Programme Director (Infrastructure) at NITI Aayog, noted that connectivity serves as the foundation for inclusive regional development. Given that India and Nepal share a 600-kilometre-long border in Uttar Pradesh, the state bears a collective responsibility in boosting trade and economic integration.
Presentations by fellows from the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, including Constantino Xavier and Riya Sinha, highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s strategic role in India-Nepal relations. They pointed to key initiatives such as the Gorakhpur–Butwal power line and the Rupaidiha/Sonauli land ports as catalysts for economic growth, trade, tourism, and local industry development in the region. Jayant Singh, Chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India, proposed the establishment of special economic zones (SEZs) in border districts to further enhance economic activity. He also emphasized the immense potential of tourism, particularly the Buddhist circuit, as a significant contributor to the economies of both Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. Vijay Kiran Anand, Secretary of Infrastructure and Industrial Development and CEO of Invest UP, concluded that the insights and ideas generated during the workshop would be instrumental in building improved infrastructure and boosting trade and the economy in the region.
This concerted effort aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader vision of fostering inclusive, sustainable, and balanced development, as outlined in its various sectoral policies and initiatives. The state’s proactive approach to infrastructure development not only enhances its economic prospects but also contributes to regional stability and prosperity.
