Uttar Pradesh’s Transformation: CM Yogi Highlights PRAGATI Success

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a comprehensive overview of the state’s transformation during a press conference on January 13, 2024. He emphasized how strategic governance and significant infrastructure projects have transitioned Uttar Pradesh from a “bottleneck” to a “breakthrough” state.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform, which he described as a catalyst for change. Originating during Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, PRAGATI was enhanced at the national level after 2014. Adityanath asserted that this model fosters collaboration among states, facilitating the support needed for large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

PRAGATI has reportedly expedited projects valued at over Rs 86 lakh crore, with 377 major projects receiving direct oversight from the Prime Minister. “Uttar Pradesh has become the country’s infrastructure growth engine with the PRAGATI model,” Adityanath stated. He noted that inter-agency obstacles have been minimized, allowing approvals to be processed more rapidly, resulting in tangible outcomes.

Adityanath detailed that Uttar Pradesh now boasts the largest infrastructure portfolio in the country, consisting of 330 projects worth Rs 10.48 lakh crore. Among these, 128 projects—approximately 39 percent—costing Rs 2.37 lakh crore have been completed. Additionally, 202 projects valued at Rs 8.11 lakh crore are advancing according to schedule.

The Chief Minister noted that 65 significant projects in Uttar Pradesh are included under the PRAGATI initiative, with 26 projects completed and the remaining 39 projects in various construction stages. He praised the portal for its technology-driven approach, which has enhanced coordination across departments, including Revenue, Pollution Control, Forest, Urban Development, and Panchayati Raj.

“This has enabled rapid progress in projects such as highways, railways, and telecommunications,” Adityanath observed, asserting that PRAGATI exemplifies effective governance. He pointed out that the initiative has bolstered the “Team India” spirit by encouraging collaboration between central and state governments, focusing on solutions rather than merely identifying problems.

The Chief Minister remarked on the significant shift in project management since 2014, noting that each project’s foundation stone now includes a clear completion timeline. Regular reviews are conducted to ensure timely execution. Adityanath attributed this progress to Prime Minister Modi‘s result-oriented leadership and commitment to infrastructure development.

In summary, CM Yogi Adityanath’s remarks underscore a pivotal moment for Uttar Pradesh as it leverages PRAGATI to redefine its developmental landscape, positioning itself as a model for other states.