Lucknow: Union Defence Minister and Member of Parliament from Lucknow, Rajnath Singh, said that Lucknow has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade and has now established itself among the ranks of world-class cities. He made these remarks while addressing a Prabuddh Jan Samvad (Dialogue with Intellectuals) programme organized by West Mandal-2 of the West Assembly constituency.
The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, BJP Lucknow Metropolitan President Anand Dwivedi, intellectuals, senior citizens, social workers, traders, advocates, academicians, and BJP office-bearers.
Interacting with the gathering, Rajnath Singh said that although his responsibilities as Defence Minister limit the amount of time he can spend in Lucknow, he makes it a point to visit the city every one-and-a-half to two months to engage directly with residents and understand their concerns. He described meeting citizens and listening to their issues as his moral responsibility.
The Defence Minister said that he has always been concerned about ensuring the maximum possible development of Lucknow. He noted that a city once considered behind in the development race has now emerged as a modern urban centre attracting admiration from across the country and abroad.
“Whenever investors from different countries visit India and tour Lucknow, they appreciate the tremendous changes that have taken place here. The Lucknow of today is vastly different from what it was 10 to 15 years ago,” he said.
Referring to traffic management, Rajnath Singh said that congestion had long been one of Lucknow’s most pressing challenges. After becoming an MP in 2014, he actively pursued the concept of a ring road around the city to divert through traffic away from the urban core. He noted that the ring road, inaugurated two years ago, has significantly improved traffic flow and reduced pressure on city roads.
He also highlighted the construction of multiple flyovers across Lucknow, which have eased commuting and strengthened urban infrastructure. Singh said that he continuously explores new ideas and projects to further accelerate the city’s development. He acknowledged the contributions of local representatives, officials, and citizens, including retired IAS officer Divakar Tripathi, whose suggestions have helped shape various initiatives.
Speaking on national issues, the Defence Minister said that India’s global standing has strengthened considerably in recent years. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, India’s voice is being heard more effectively on international platforms and the country’s prestige has grown significantly.
He also referred to the ongoing conflicts and wars in different parts of the world, noting their impact on the global economy. Despite challenging international conditions and rising inflation in many countries, India has managed to maintain economic stability through effective governance and policy measures, he said.
Rajnath Singh further stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party continues to enjoy growing public confidence and has successfully formed governments in several states. He cited the claim that nearly 250 million people have moved out of poverty in recent years, describing it as evidence of the success of development-oriented and welfare-driven policies.
During the interactive session, intellectuals and senior citizens raised several public-interest issues. Representatives sought a permanent solution to severe traffic congestion on the stretch between Chowk and Dubagga Crossing. They also requested that the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal be opened free of charge during morning hours for walkers and the general public.
Residents urged the extension of gas pipeline services to additional areas and called for faster implementation of metro expansion projects. Participants also expressed gratitude to Rajnath Singh for the renaming of Alamnagar Railway Station as Budheshwar Station.
The attendees appreciated the rapid pace of infrastructure development in Lucknow, including roads, flyovers, ring roads, metro connectivity, and other civic projects. They also praised the creation of inspirational public spaces such as Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, which they said contribute to both civic pride and public awareness.
Concluding the programme, Rajnath Singh thanked the citizens for their affection and support, reiterating his commitment to public service and the continued development of Lucknow.
