Lucknow: The 7th UP Infrastructure Leadership Summit & Awards 2026, held at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Lucknow, brought together ministers, senior bureaucrats, policymakers, industry leaders, banking executives, hospitality professionals, infrastructure experts, real estate stakeholders and media representatives to deliberate on the crucial role of infrastructure in transforming Uttar Pradesh into a US$1 trillion economy.
The summit served as a major platform for discussions on infrastructure development, investment opportunities, urban growth, tourism, transportation, governance reforms, digital transformation and sustainable economic development. Participants emphasized that robust infrastructure remains the foundation for attracting investment, generating employment and improving the quality of life across the state.
Addressing the gathering, a speaker highlighted the state’s efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure through modern bus terminals, electric buses, enhanced road safety measures, digital transport services and improved connectivity. He noted that Uttar Pradesh’s rapidly expanding network of expressways and integrated transport systems is reducing logistics costs, facilitating trade and boosting mobility for citizens and businesses.
Jaswant Singh Saini, Minister of State for Industrial Development, described Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s most attractive investment destinations. He credited transparent policies, improved law and order, a single-window clearance mechanism and proactive governance for the state’s industrial growth. He also highlighted the development of industrial parks, logistics hubs, the Defence Industrial Corridor, data centres and MSMEs as key drivers of economic expansion and job creation.
Speaking on tourism, experts said the sector has emerged as a powerful engine of growth. He outlined the government’s vision to position Uttar Pradesh as a global tourism destination through the development of Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya and the Buddhist Circuit. Investments in hotels, convention centres, ropeways, riverfront development, digital visitor services and heritage conservation are creating new opportunities for employment and local businesses, he said.
Sanjay Seth, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), stated that Uttar Pradesh has become a model of development through strong leadership, improved governance and world-class infrastructure. He stressed that expressways, airports, metro rail systems, defence manufacturing and urban infrastructure projects are positioning the state as a key contributor to India’s economic growth, while public-private partnerships continue to accelerate infrastructure development.
Cyber security expert Dr. Sanjay M. Tarde, former Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, underlined the growing importance of cyber resilience in the digital era. He showcased the Maha Kumbh crowd management model as a globally recognised example of technology-enabled governance, utilizing artificial intelligence, CCTV surveillance, drones, GIS mapping, integrated command and control centres and real-time analytics to manage millions of pilgrims safely and efficiently.
Highlighting the importance of energy infrastructure, Vinamra Agarwal, Joint Managing Director of Technical Associates, emphasized the role of reliable power systems, modern transformers, smart grids and energy-efficient technologies in supporting industrial growth and urban expansion.
During the Infrastructure & Governance session, Amrit Abhijat, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture, explained how tourism has evolved into a major economic multiplier by generating employment across hospitality, handicrafts, transport, retail and local enterprises. He outlined an integrated strategy focused on destination development, digital promotion, heritage conservation and improved visitor experiences.
Dr. Amit Ghosh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Care and Health Education, stressed the need for stronger healthcare infrastructure through expanded medical colleges, super-speciality hospitals, telemedicine services, diagnostic facilities and digital health platforms. He noted that quality healthcare strengthens human capital and enhances investor confidence.
The summit also featured participation from Babloo Kumar (IPS), Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order); Mahesh Kumar Gupta, former Additional Chief Secretary; Shobhit Mohan Das, President, CREDAI UP; Ajay Thakur, Former CEO of BSE and Managing Partner, TGI SME Capital Advisors LLP; Col. Balbir Jha; Kapil Vig, GM, Crowne Plaza Lucknow IHG; Sarvesh Goel, Chairman, Mansingh Goel Group; Sanjay Bhandari, Executive Director, IOCL Lucknow; Ajit Kumar Mishra, Circle Head, Canara Bank; and Sudhir Mishra, Editor, Navbharat Times Lucknow.
A key highlight of the event was Session II: Infrastructure & Governance, which featured insightful discussions from senior policymakers and administrators on the future development agenda of Uttar Pradesh. The discussions focused on critical themes such as infrastructure development, investment promotion, urban growth, tourism expansion, transportation networks, governance reforms and economic development.
The summit successfully brought together policymakers, senior bureaucrats, industry leaders, infrastructure experts, real estate stakeholders, banking professionals, hospitality executives and media representatives to explore collaborative strategies for accelerating Uttar Pradesh’s growth and investment potential.
The event was executed under the guidance of RK Sharan, Executive Director, Indian Investor Federation.
