UP should be showcased to the world as a model state: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Abhishek Awasthi.

Lucknow: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated on Sunday that Uttar Pradesh should be shown to the world as an example of development for its contribution to the country’s prosperity.

Addressing the session on ‘Uttar Pradesh in Modernization of Rail and Road’ at the Global Investment summit (GIS), the Minister for Railway and Telecom stated, “UP has a key role in India’s progress.

This is why significant G20 programmes are taking place in Uttar Pradesh. We must showcase UP as a model to the rest of the globe.” He stated that prior to 2014, the state received Rs 1,000-1,100 crore from the rail budget, but this has jumped by 16 times after the Narendra Modi government took office.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 17,507 crore was inked on the last day of the GIS between the Railways and the UP government for the building of rail infrastructure and network expansion.

The Minister stated that the “Amrit Bharat Mission” is transforming 150 stations in Uttar Pradesh into “world-class” facilities. “A ‘One station, One product’ initiative has been launched for artists and craftspeople. As a result, the income of those working in this industry has grown.

These items have also gone global from local,” he added. He advised investors to join the railways and establish their enterprises in Uttar Pradesh without fear. State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Jitin Prasada stated that UP has a four lakh kilometre road network. “A network of roads and highways is being built in the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The 560-kilometer Ganga Expressway is currently under construction. “Work on 59 Railway Overbridges (ROBs) across the state has been finished,” Prasada said. “In addition, 250 ROBs have been detected, and work will begin soon,” he added.Managing Director of Railways Ravindra Jain stated that the department is constructing two dedicated freight routes in the country.

“There are two corridors: one west and one east. The creation of these freight corridors would make the passage of goods trains more efficient and save time,” he stated.