
UP's infrastructure journey takes centre stage at TOI Dialogues today
TOI Dialogues — Infrastructure Chapter will be held in Lucknow on Thursday.
It will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, changemakers and experts for thought-provoking panel discussions and fireside chats on urban development, industrial growth, smart mobility and sustainability against the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh's evolving infrastructure landscape.
The keynote address will be delivered by UP finance minister Suresh Khanna, who will share his vision for the state's infrastructure-led growth.
Some of the key speakers will be Awanish Awasthi, advisor to UP CM, actor Gul Panag, and principal secretary tourism Mukesh Meshram.
The sessions and fireside chats will see the participation of secretaries, commissioners and heads of infrastructure-related departments, who will share key insights on policy frameworks, ongoing projects and Uttar Pradesh's future development agenda. These discussions will highlight the state government's vision and strategic initiatives that are ushering a new era of infra growth in Uttar Pradesh.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the event will offer a valuable platform for networking among real estate developers, infra consultants, and industry leaders, paving the way for collaborations and new investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.
Some of the key sessions will be Defence and infrastructure development; Maha Kumbh police management; Invest UP 2.0 and employment; Police modernization through technology, and Health and heritage.
You can watch TOI Dialogues - Infrastructure Chapter live on Aug 7 at 5pm on https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toidialogues/Infrastructure.
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Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter: UP emerging as India's new growth engine; govt pushes for sustainable water future
Uttar Pradesh's additional chief secretary and in-charge of state's renewable energy and technical education department, Narendra Bhooshan said on Thursday that Uttar Pradesh is the 'new growth driver of India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' He was speaking at the TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter, in his address he highlighted that the energy sector is one area which will be instrumental in achieving the state's ambition of a $1 trillion economy. He emphasised upon the fact that UP being the country's most populous state is on the forefront of energy transition and consumption, helping it grow massively in terms of energy demand, value addition, capital investment, job creation and revenue generation. He credited UP CM Adityanath and PM Modi for the transformation. Bhoooshan pointed out the key goals set by the PM, 'to achieve VIksit Bharat 2047, at a global level India needs to act as Vishwa Vijeta', and the panch amrit principle - net zero by 2070, non-fossil fuel based energy capacity of 500GW by 2030, to generate 50 per cent of country energy requirement coming from renewable sources and so on.' He went on to talk about the concerted efforts put in by the UP government in order align itself with the larger goal of the PM and making India a leading economy in the world. The secretary even referred to how the growth in this sector in fact acts as a leverage against the duty imposition such as by the US, as there isn't any export but self consumption. He also mentioned the 'Hindu rate of growth' - referring to the commentary by Raj Krishna, an economist, about the abysmal GDP growth of India in the years following Independence till the 90's when economy was opened up - he said today we have come a long way from that and now 'we grow on an average of 7-8 per cent,' but 'in order to achieve PM vision we need to break this as well and perhaps grow at 9-10 per cent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' He termed power sector as the key in achieving that goal and said that UP last year left Maharashtra way behind in peak energy consumption and was on the way to do so this year as well', with an average growth in sector of 9-11 per cent. In a separate panel discussion on - UP's holistic approach to sustainability and water security - it discussed the vital steps taken by the government to safeguard states natural resources, and water governance, in order to ensure a brighter future for generations to come. The panel was joined by GS Naveen, UP government secretary of irrigation, and Ganesh Thorat, CEO of Naam Foundation. The panel discussed the challenges faced by the government in order to manage the depleting water levels and shrinking rivers, taking a sustainable route for a 'Green and Blue Future' with Uttar Pradesh being a highly agricultural state. They highlighted how the culturally important Tamsa river in Azamgarh was brought back from extreme shrinking to its full flow with the help of targeted community run campaign over the period of two months, against disposing waste in the river and making clean and helping it flow at its full might. The panel also talked about several similar efforts that are underway in order to reach a sustainable future.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues - Infrastructure Chapter: UP's path to future-ready growth; experts stress need for skill development
TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter in Lucknow As part of its ongoing initiative 'Driving India's Growth One Dialogue at a Time,' Times of India hosted the latest edition of its flagship event, TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter in Lucknow. The e-conclave brought together key voices from government and industry to deliberate on Uttar Pradesh 's developmental strides in infrastructure, employment and investment. The event focused on Uttar Pradesh's transformational journey, with particular emphasis on roads, smart cities, green energy and industrial growth. The second panel discussion was on the theme 'Creating a Future-Ready Uttar Pradesh by Connecting Infrastructure, Industry, and Human Capital' and was moderated by Sanjay Bhatnagar. The panel comprised of following dignitaries: Amit Mohan Prasad, Ex-additional chief secretary MSME Pulkit Khare, Mission Director, Skill Development Mission, Uttar Pradesh Shashank Chaudhary, Assistant CEO, Invest UP Rahul Ahluwalia, Director, Foundation for Economic Development Vineet Rai, Vice Chairman, Aavishkaar Group Amit Mohan Prasad: MSMEs as growth engines: Opening the discussion, Amit Mohan Prasad emphasized Uttar Pradesh's emergence as a top investment destination due to factors such as improved law and order, progressive industrial policies and a large consumer base. Highlighting the CM Yuva program, he explained the state's flagship scheme aims to support one lakh micro enterprises annually over the next decade. 'MSMEs are the biggest employment generators, contributing 30% to GDP, 60% to employment and 45% to exports,' he noted. Pulkit Khare: Skilling for the future: Pulkit Khare stressed the critical link between infrastructure and human capital, noting that without the right skill sets, physical infrastructure loses its value. He revealed that only 70% of graduates in UP are considered industry-ready, with national figures even lower. The initiative lead by him is providing free training programs in emerging domains like AI and IT to bridge the gap. 'Any kind of physical infrastructure is incomplete if we don't have proper human infrastructure,' he added. Shashank Chaudhary: Changing perceptions of UP: Shashank Chaudhary addressed the evolving investor sentiment, pointing out that UP was once seen as an agrarian state, plagued with concerns over governance and infrastructure. However, initiatives like expressway networks, upcoming airports and electronic manufacturing parks have redefined investor confidence. 'Today, investors appreciate the scale of development. Those who've started operations in UP are running them successfully,' he stated. Rahul Ahluwalia: UP must compete globally: Rahul Ahluwalia offered a broader perspective on ease of doing business, arguing that UP must now aim to compete with countries like China and Vietnam, not just Indian states. 'UP has gone from being one of the most restrictive states to one of the most liberal in terms of business reforms,' he observed. Vineet Rai: A time for introspection: Concluding the discussion, Vineet Rai acknowledged that basic infrastructural needs have been met, but the state must now focus on raising per capita GDP and achieving the aspiration of becoming a $1 trillion economy. He stressed the need for joint action by the government and private sector, saying, 'The ecosystem in UP at this point of time needs a critical introspection of itself.'


Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Cong engineered Sambhal killings, SP tried to cover up their sins: Yogi
MEERUT Launching a blistering attack on political adversaries, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Congress of engineering massacres in UP's Sambhal in the post-Independence era and said the Samajwadi Party, 'as a loyal disciple of Congress,' tried to cover up their sins. The chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 222 development projects worth ₹ 659 crore in Sambhal's Bahjoi town. (File Photo) 'Those who sinned against Sambhal will face retribution. They hid the truth of the Sambhal massacres for vote-bank politics. We are not here for appeasement — we are here to preserve our heritage,' Adityanath said at a public rally after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of 222 development projects worth ₹659 crore in the district's Bahjoi town. Adityanath described the town as a sacred symbol of Hindu faith, deeply embedded in Sanatan Dharma and ancient scriptures, asserting that those who tried to suppress this truth for political gains would face consequences for their 'sins'. He linked Sambhal to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, saying that the Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana refer to it as the future birthplace of Lord Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu in kalyug. He warned those attempting to rewrite history or 'malign Sanatan Dharma,' saying that such malicious conspiracies would be 'firmly crushed.' Yogi added: 'Their own backgrounds are controversial, so they see our traditions as controversial. But our legacy is not up for debate.' Adityanath delved into the town's overlooked past, claiming that Sambhal was once home to 68 pilgrimage sites, 19 sacred wells and ancient parikrama routes that were deliberately destroyed by foreign invaders. 'They desecrated our shrines and erased the truth,' he said, pledging to restore all 68 sites and 19 wells. Drawing inspiration from Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar — known for reviving temples in Kashi and Somnath — the CM promised a cultural renaissance for Sambhal. 'True development is about preserving our roots while building the future,' he said. The chief minister cited the examples of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to emphasise that religious rejuvenation and development can go hand in hand. 'If the redevelopment of Kashi and Ayodhya is possible, why not Sambhal? Why can't we restore this holy land of Lord Kalki and Harihar? That is why the government has come to you,' Adityanath said. Taking a dig at past governments, Adityanath accused them of enabling lawlessness and mafia raj. 'Girls were unsafe, traders lived in fear. Today, the only ones insecure are rioters. Mahakal is now delivering justice,' he said. Tensions flared in Sambhal last year when a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Days later, during a second round of the survey, protesting locals clashed with security personnel, which led to the death of four people and injuries to dozens. He emphasised that under his government, 8.5 lakh youth have received jobs in eight years, including 60,200 recent police recruits. He contrasted this with previous regimes, saying: 'They nurtured one mafia per district. We promote 'One District, One Product.' The 222 projects inaugurated/launched span sectors such as education, roads, vocational training, clean drinking water, anganwadi centres and school infrastructure. The CM also laid the foundation stone for the new district magistrate office and integrated residential complexes, participating in Vedic rituals. Highlighting the government's commitment to inclusive growth, the CM distributed cheques, house keys and certificates to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. He also launched the 'Sambhal Samvad' mobile app for better citizen engagement. In a symbolic gesture, the chief minister performed the traditional 'Annaprashan' ceremony for infants and planted saplings to promote environmental awareness. He inspected archaeological relics unearthed in Sambhal, further underlining the region's historical importance. Wrapping up his address, Adityanath praised the courage of Sambhal's people who, he said, never bowed to rioters. He invoked upcoming national and religious events — Raksha Bandhan, Kakori Memorial Day, Independence Day and Janmashtami — urging citizens to hoist the Tricolour and uphold national pride. 'The projects we launched today are just a glimpse,' he said. 'The double-engine government will ensure both the preservation of Sambhal's glorious past and the building of its bright future.'