India
oi-Ashish Rana
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the progress of Lucknow is closely connected with growth of Uttar Pradesh. He also credit CM Yogi Adityanath for providing strong support to development projects in Lucknow.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath kicked off 12 projects for Lucknow Cantonment, focusing on modern facilities and renaming markets to honour Indian heritage, aligning with UP’s development vision.
Rajnath Singh who was at foundation-laying ceremony for 12 projects planned to Lucknow Cantonment into model cantonment said the projects were not included to build infrastructure but were also part of broader vision for cantonment’s future. He also said the UP government and centre government cooperation helped to accelerate development.
12 Projects To Focus On Modern Facilities
The projects include initiatives for a cleaner cantonment, improved water supply, better educational opportunities for children, enhanced sporting facilities for youth, healthcare, modern technology and improved traffic and parking management, he said.
Singh said the Modi government’s broader vision was to take India towards the goal of becoming a developed nation.
“Developed India does not mean only big projects and modern buildings. Developed India means that children get good education, clean water reaches family homes, a young person gets an opportunity to play and showcase his talent, and a child with disability does not feel left behind in society. I believe this is true development,” he said.
He noted that the journey towards a developed India should reach every neighbourhood, settlement and family and not remain confined to cities.
British-Era Market Names Replaced
Referring to the renaming of several markets in Lucknow Cantonment, Singh said names associated with the British era had been replaced with those of prominent personalities of India’s freedom struggle and national life.
Royal Artillery Bazar has been renamed Ekta Bazar, British Cavalry Bazar as Uda Devi Bazar, British Infantry Bazar as Matadin Valmiki Bazar, another British Infantry Bazar as Mangal Pandey Bazar, and Kanedy Market as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Market.
He said the initiative aimed to connect future generations with India’s heritage and inspire them towards national service.
Yogi Adityanath Highlights Lucknow’s Transformation
Speaking earlier, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh had embarked on a new journey of security and good governance under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh.
Recalling the past conditions of Lucknow, he stated, “Twenty years ago, there was a sign at Lucknow railway station that said, ‘Smile, you are in Lucknow.’ However, due to traffic jams, narrow lanes, and dirt in Lucknow, instead of smiling, people were often left in tears. Now, Lucknow has acquired a new identity as a modern smart city while retaining its heritage.”
Adityanath said the city combined its historical legacy, including the contributions of Uda Devi and Maharaja Bijli Pasi, with modern defence manufacturing, including BrahMos missiles.
He also highlighted Lucknow’s traditional ‘chikankari’ craft and referred to UNESCO’s recognition of the city as a City of Gastronomy.
Cantonment To Benefit Military Personnel And Civilians
The cantonment would benefit both military personnel and civilians living in the area through modern and advanced facilities, Adityanath said.
He said Uttar Pradesh had emerged from the problems of scarcity, disorder and unrest that, according to him, characterised the state before 2017 and had now become a growth engine of India’s economy.
On defence manufacturing, Adityanath said six defence manufacturing corridors were being established in Uttar Pradesh under the Centre’s initiatives.
Rajnath Singh, Yogi Attend ‘Mann Ki Baat’
Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath, along with around 4,000 attendees, also listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and other senior dignitaries were present at the event.
(With Inputs From PTI)
