The Yogi Government has made Lucknow a world-class city: Rajnath Singh

• A bulldozer does not only demolish, it also prepares the ground for development: Rajnath Singh
• Yogi ji strengthened the saffron identity even further by visiting Singapore and Japan in his saffron robes
• Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s growth engine; BrahMos from here created havoc among terrorists in Pakistan

Lucknow:  While inaugurating the second phase of the ambitious Green Corridor Project on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath deserves congratulations for the initiative. Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, development is no longer limited to paper but is clearly visible in the lives of the people of the state. This project will ease transportation for nearly 1.5 million residents of Lucknow and help reduce traffic congestion."

Expressing gratitude to the state government, he said, "About ₹7,000 crore is being spent on constructing the 28-km Green Corridor from IIM Road to the Outer Ring Road. While building this corridor, more than 150 trees that came in the way were not cut down but were transplanted elsewhere, setting an example of environmental protection."

The Defence Minister added, "Land belonging to the Army was also used in the Green Corridor project. Both the civil and defence sectors worked together on the project. There were certain challenges regarding land allocation, but they were resolved through mutual coordination. When civil and defence institutions work together, the pace of development multiplies."

Rajnath Singh said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, discussions about Lucknow’s development along with its cultural heritage are taking place across the world.

He added, "Indians living abroad are often amazed when they visit Lucknow and see its transformation. When I meet people of Indian origin abroad, they frequently praise the city’s development."

UNESCO has granted Lucknow the status of a “Creative City of Gastronomy,” meaning the city has also become a leader in the field of cuisine. It is a matter of pride that Lucknow has secured a place among the world’s renowned culinary destinations. 

He added, "The city is now counted among the most livable cities, with modern facilities for residents. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the double-engine government has transformed Uttar Pradesh."

The Defence Minister said that Yogi Adityanath is popularly known as 'Bulldozer Baba.' By taking action against mafia and criminals and demolishing illegal properties, land has been freed and utilized for development works. A bulldozer does not only demolish structures but also prepares the ground for development. 

He added, "Soon, once the 62-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is completed, people will be able to travel to Kanpur in just 35 to 45 minutes. This expressway will mark a new chapter in Lucknow’s infrastructure development."

Rajnath Singh further said that the electric vehicle plant of Ashok Leyland in Lucknow is generating employment for thousands of people while also promoting environmentally friendly transport. 

Uttar Pradesh has also established a Defence Corridor with several defence facilities. Now, the integration and testing facility of BrahMos Aerospace will also be set up in the state.

He said, "During Operation Sindoor, it was seen how BrahMos missiles created devastation in terrorist camps in Pakistan. The response delivered by BrahMos has made terrorists think many times before attempting any attack on India. Lucknow’s role in strengthening the nation’s security infrastructure fills me with pride. The city contributes soldiers and resources for the security of the nation, and the people of Lucknow have sent a Member of Parliament who is working for national security."

The Defence Minister also said that along with development, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is giving equal emphasis to cleanliness across Uttar Pradesh. 

Arrangements have been made for door-to-door garbage collection. Lucknow is setting benchmarks in cleanliness, and the sewage system is also being improved. In Swachh Survekshan 2025, Lucknow secured the third position in the entire country.

He added, "An MoU has also been signed between the School of Planning and Architecture and the Lucknow Development Authority to prepare a master plan for Lucknow’s development. This will enable scientific urban planning for the city. On the lines of the National Capital Region, a State Capital Region is also being developed around Lucknow, for which credit goes to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath."

Lucknow was historically known as Lakshman Nagari, and the Chief Minister has enhanced the pride of the city’s residents by preserving its cultural heritage while accelerating development.

Rajnath Singh added that during his recent visit to Singapore and Japan, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wore his traditional saffron robes and maintained the same lifestyle and food habits as in India. He remarked that some people change their ways when they go abroad, but Yogi Adityanath did not change his identity and instead strengthened the saffron identity even further.

He added, "The experiences he has brought back from abroad will help accelerate Lucknow’s development. Japan is known for its advanced technology, which will benefit urban planning and development in the city."