By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district officials across the state to submit detailed proposals for road infrastructure projects under the Public Works Department (PWD) by June 30.
In a high-level review meeting, the chief minister underscored the importance of aligning infrastructure development with regional priorities.
He urged district magistrates to work closely with local elected representatives to ensure that upcoming road development projects accurately reflect the specific needs of each area.
“All proposals under the 18 major PWD schemes must be submitted by June 30,” Adityanath said, reiterating the government’s push for the timely execution of key development initiatives.
The PWD’s 18 flagship schemes include widening and upgrading of roads linking blocks and tehsils, improving district-level and state highways, and developing access routes to industrial and logistics hubs.
The chief minister stressed that planning should be guided by local needs rather than political considerations. As part of the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development, he instructed that every one of the state’s 403 assembly constituencies must benefit from at least two to three major infrastructure projects.
To encourage public involvement and ownership, Adityanath said local representatives should lead foundation stone-laying ceremonies, or Bhoomi Pujan, for new projects.
Recognising the potential of religious tourism to drive local economies, the chief minister directed officials to identify the top 50 religious sites annually and prioritise road connectivity improvements around them.
“Better access to these cultural landmarks will not only improve the pilgrim experience but also create economic opportunities for surrounding communities,” he noted.
He also called for an integrated, state-wide approach to road connectivity, with a strong emphasis on road quality and regular maintenance. “No road in Uttar Pradesh should have potholes,” he stated firmly.
To ensure consistent monitoring and timely execution, Adityanath instructed that each district appoint a dedicated nodal officer responsible for conducting weekly reviews of ongoing infrastructure projects.
He further mandated the compulsory presence of public representatives in monthly and bi-monthly review meetings, aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.
In a push to ensure clean and ethical governance in public works, the chief minister ordered officials to identify and investigate any questionable or blacklisted contractors, and take appropriate disciplinary action as required.
