Aligarh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 85 development projects worth ₹462 crore in Aligarh, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure growth and public welfare initiatives across the district.
Addressing a public gathering after the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister said he was privileged to present a new package of development projects for the Kol and Aligarh City Assembly constituencies and to review ongoing works in the district. He emphasized that the pace of development would continue uninterrupted under the “double-engine government” led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The projects unveiled include the inauguration of 40 schemes worth ₹177 crore and the foundation laying of 45 projects valued at ₹285 crore. During the event, beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes received symbolic cheques, approval letters, toolkits, Ayushman cards, housing allotment documents, and farm machinery keys.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inspected Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University and held a review meeting with university officials. He also reviewed ongoing Public Works Department projects and assessed the law-and-order situation in the district.
Of the total projects announced, 58 schemes worth ₹118 crore belong to the Kol Assembly constituency, while 18 projects worth nearly ₹29 crore are located in the Aligarh City Assembly segment. Additionally, nine projects worth approximately ₹315 crore are being implemented by the Aligarh Municipal Corporation.
Highlighting Aligarh’s industrial heritage, the Chief Minister praised the city’s artisans and craftsmen for transforming it into the country’s renowned “Lock City” and a globally recognized hardware manufacturing hub. He noted that the Centre had approved an important node of the Defence Manufacturing Corridor in Aligarh, positioning the city as a key contributor to India’s defence self-reliance mission.
Paying tribute to freedom fighter Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, Yogi recalled his historic efforts during India’s freedom struggle and lauded the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. He also remembered former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh for his contribution to the district’s development.
The Chief Minister said Aligarh is rapidly emerging as a modern urban centre under the Smart City programme. He revealed that Public Works Department projects worth ₹2,800 crore had been approved for the district last year and are progressing swiftly. He further highlighted that a six-lane highway, ring road, and multiple flyovers are currently under construction, significantly improving regional connectivity.
“Development has no alternative,” Yogi said, stressing that infrastructure growth, security, and citizen-centric facilities remain central to the government’s vision. He assured that development initiatives tailored to Aligarh’s needs would continue under the leadership of local representatives.
During his address, the Chief Minister also expressed grief over a tragic fire incident in Lucknow that claimed several lives. Extending condolences to the affected families, he said senior officials had been directed to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure accountability. Owing to the tragedy, he noted, he had to shorten his stay in Aligarh and return to Lucknow immediately.
The event was attended by Sugar Industry and Cane Development Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Minister of State for Basic Education Sandeep Singh, Minister of State for Revenue Surendra Diler, Members of Parliament, legislators, local representatives, and senior district officials.
