Lucknow Emerging as Strategic Defence and Infrastructure Hub, Says Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that Uttar Pradesh has made significant progress in establishing a Defence Industrial Corridor with multiple defence-related facilities, adding that Lucknow is steadily emerging as an important centre contributing to India’s national security architecture.

Singh, who represents the Lucknow parliamentary constituency, was in the city to inaugurate the second phase of the Green Corridor project.

During the event, he announced that a major testing and integration facility for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be developed in the state capital.

“The BrahMos missile integration and testing centre has been set up in Lucknow.

This initiative will enhance the country’s defence preparedness while simultaneously opening new avenues of advanced technology and employment opportunities for young professionals.

It will also reinforce the vision of the ‘Make in India’ programme,” Singh stated.

Referring to recent military operations, the defence minister said the BrahMos missile system had demonstrated its formidable capability during Operation Sindoor, where it inflicted severe damage on terrorist bases located in Pakistan.

“During Operation Sindoor, the devastating impact of BrahMos missiles on terror camps across the border was clearly witnessed.

The effectiveness of this response has forced terrorist groups to think repeatedly before daring to target India again. Lucknow’s growing participation in strengthening the country’s defence infrastructure is a matter of immense pride for us.

The city has always contributed both manpower and resources toward safeguarding the nation,” Singh remarked.

While addressing the gathering at the launch of the Green Corridor’s second phase, Singh noted that parts of the project required land belonging to the Army and the work was successfully executed through coordination between defence authorities and civil administration.

“Around ₹7,000 crore is being invested in the development of a 28-kilometre-long Green Corridor connecting IIM Road to the Outer Ring Road,” he said.

“Certain portions of the project required the utilisation of Army-owned land. There were initial challenges related to land transfer, but through close cooperation between the defence establishment and civil agencies, these issues were resolved smoothly.

When both sectors work together, the speed of development increases significantly,” he added.

The defence minister also emphasised that environmental considerations were carefully addressed during the project’s execution. Instead of cutting down trees that fell along the corridor’s route, authorities relocated them.

More than 150 trees that came in the path of the corridor were not felled but were carefully transplanted to other locations.

This initiative demonstrates a responsible approach toward environmental conservation while pursuing infrastructure development,” he said.

Singh also spoke about the rapid improvement in Lucknow’s transport connectivity, particularly highlighting the upcoming Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway project.

“The 62-kilometre-long Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway, being constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹4,500 crore, will dramatically improve connectivity between the two major cities.

Once the project is completed, commuters will be able to travel between Lucknow and Kanpur in just 35 to 45 minutes,” he said.

According to Singh, the expressway will significantly boost regional development and mark a new milestone in the city’s infrastructure expansion.

During his speech, the defence minister also lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for taking strict action against organised crime and mafia networks operating in the state.

“The state government has taken decisive steps to eliminate criminal elements and cleanse society of lawlessness.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, popularly referred to as ‘Bulldozer Baba’, has acted firmly against mafias and hardened criminals by demolishing their illegally constructed properties and reclaiming land for public development projects,” Singh said.

He added that the bulldozer has become a symbol not merely of demolition but also of transformation and progress.

“Many people only see the destructive aspect of the bulldozer. However, beyond removing illegal structures, it also clears the way for infrastructure growth and development,” he said.

Singh also praised the chief minister for maintaining his cultural identity and traditional lifestyle even while representing India on international platforms.

“Yogi Adityanath has consistently upheld Indian cultural values abroad and continues to follow the same disciplined lifestyle and food habits that he practises in India.

Despite holding a high office, he has never distanced himself from his identity and traditions,” Singh remarked.

Highlighting ongoing urban planning initiatives, Singh said Lucknow’s development is being guided through structured and scientific planning methods.

“A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the School of Planning and Architecture and the Lucknow Development Authority to promote systematic and research-based urban planning for the city,” he said.

He further mentioned that the state government is also working toward establishing a State Capital Region (SCR) around Lucknow, similar to the National Capital Region (NCR), to promote balanced urban growth in the surrounding districts.

“Just like the NCR model around Delhi, a State Capital Region is being developed around Lucknow. The credit for this ambitious initiative goes to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” Singh said.

The defence minister also highlighted Lucknow’s recognition at the international level after it was awarded the prestigious UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title.

“It is a matter of great pride that Lucknow has been recognised globally for its rich culinary heritage. The city now stands among the world’s renowned gastronomic destinations,” he noted.

Singh further pointed out improvements in civic infrastructure and sanitation services in the city.

“Door-to-door waste collection systems have been implemented, and major improvements are being made to the sewage and drainage network.

In the Swachh Survekshan 2025 rankings, Lucknow secured the third position nationwide.

With modern civic amenities and improved urban management, the city is steadily transforming into one of the most liveable urban centres in the country,” he said.

#RajnathSingh #LucknowDevelopment #DefenceCorridor #BrahMosMissile #GreenCorridor #InfrastructureGrowth #YogiAdityanath #MakeInIndia #UttarPradesh #UrbanDevelopment