29-04-2025
‘UP recorded 15% growth rate in infra'
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh recorded 15% growth rate in infrastructure development in the last financial year. This progress, in terms of roads, railways, or aviation, is also visible along the Indo-Nepal border section of Uttar Pradesh.
The fact came to light at a high-level workshop on Border Infrastructure and Connectivity in the BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal) Sub-Region, hosted by Invest UP on Tuesday. "UP is leading in infrastructure development. Over the past eight years, the state witnessed remarkable progress, with a 15% growth rate in the last fiscal year. A sleeping giant has awakened, and UP is now realising its full potential," said Alok Kumar, principal secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development.
Emphasising that strengthened connectivity with Nepal and other BBIN nations will drive mutual prosperity, he said: "UP's role is pivotal to fostering connectivity with Nepal." Additional secretary and programme director (infrastructure), NITI Aayog, Rajeev Singh Thakur, said: "Connectivity would serve as the base for inclusive regional development. India and Nepal share a 600-kilometre-long border in UP, which underscores the collective responsibility in boosting trade and economic integration."
Centre for Social and Economic Progress fellow Constantino Xavier, senior fellow Riya Sinha made a presentation underscoring UP's strategic role in India-Nepal ties.
"Nepal's economy is poised to grow with key initiatives such as the Gorakhpur–Butwal power line and Rupaidiha/Sonauli land ports. The state can boost trade, tourism and local industries, fostering mutual prosperity and integration as well," they said.
Chairman, Land Ports Authority of India, Jayant Singh, said proposals on establishment of special economic zone (SEZ) in border districts must be deliberated. He also underscored that tourism, particularly the Buddhist circuit, holds immense potential and could become a major contributor to the economies of both Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
Secretary Infrastructure and Industrial Development and CEO Invest UP, Vijay Kiran Anand said the ideas generated in the workshop would aid in building improved infrastructure and boost trade and economy.
