Lucknow: The transformation that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed over the past eight years is nothing short of remarkable and unprecedented. What was once labeled a ‘BIMARU’ state—a term for underdeveloped Indian states—has now become a “Breakthrough State”, emerging as a growth engine of the Indian economy and a favoured destination for investors. This radical shift is attributed to the Yogi government’s effective policies and governance, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reform, Perform, Transform” that was initiated in 2017.
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in industrial development, ease of doing business, and employment generation. These efforts have strengthened the state’s identity as an ‘Entrepreneur State’ and positioned it prominently on India’s economic map.
Doubling GSDP, Job Creation for Millions
Thanks to the government’s focus on boosting industrial activity, the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has witnessed notable growth. From 2017 to 2025, Uttar Pradesh’s GSDP has nearly doubled, projected to reach ₹27.51 lakh crore, with expectations of surpassing ₹30 lakh crore soon. The state has received investment proposals worth ₹45 lakh crore, of which ₹15 lakh crore has already materialised, generating employment for over 60 lakh youth. Uttar Pradesh is now steadily advancing toward becoming a $1 trillion economy.
Policy Reforms Usher in a New Business Climate
Over the past eight years, the Yogi government has prioritized policy reforms to fuel industrial growth. The “Ease of Doing Business” was central to this transformation, starting with the implementation of the Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy in 2017. This policy facilitated tax incentives, subsidies, and land allotment for investors.
As many as 33 sectoral policies have been introduced, establishing UP as a hub for industrial activity. In the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, Uttar Pradesh improved its position from 14th in 2017 to 2nd in 2022. The launch of the “Nivesh Mitra” portal further streamlined and digitized approval processes, increasing transparency and investor confidence.
Global Investor Summits Fuel Momentum
The state created global platforms to attract investment, starting with the first Global Investors Summit (GIS) in 2018. The “UP Global Investors Summit 2023” proved to be a landmark event, setting new records in investment commitments. To implement these proposals, the government launched the “Ground Breaking Ceremony” (GBC) initiative. Four such GBCs have been conducted since 2018, helping realize numerous large-scale projects on the ground.
Highlights of Development Initiatives
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Over 90 lakh job opportunities were created in the MSME sector. The ODOP (One District, One Product) initiative played a crucial role in increasing the state’s exports from ₹86,000 crore to ₹2 lakh crore.
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The Defence Corridor and investments worth ₹63,475 crore in the medical and pharma sectors boosted healthcare services and manufacturing, creating more employment.
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Infrastructure advancements including expressways, airports, and digital connectivity have made UP an attractive investment destination. Sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, AI, electronics manufacturing, and startups have seen unprecedented growth.
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Under the PM Mega Integrated Textile and Apparel Parks Scheme (PM MITRA), several mega projects are underway: Textile Park in Lucknow-Hardoi, Leather Clusters in Hardoi and Kanpur, a Plastic Park in Gorakhpur, a Perfume Park in Kannauj, and Chemical and Pharma Parks in Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Hapur.
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The “Mukhyamantri Sookshma Udyami Durghatna Beema Yojana” provides ₹5 lakh insurance in case of death or disability of registered entrepreneurs.
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The “Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan” has approved loans in 16,000 cases and disbursed funds in 6,000, while the Atal Industrial Infrastructure Mission has also been launched.
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Industrial activities are being accelerated by bodies like UPSIDA, NOIDA, Greater NOIDA Authority, UPEIDA, GIDA, and the newly formed BIDA.
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After NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh is developing its second industrial city in 47 years under BIDA. A Drug and Pharma Park is also being fast-tracked in Bundelkhand.
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Invest UP has been designated the key agency to track and implement investments, contributing significantly through initiatives like land pooling, allotment, Nivesh Mitra, and Nivesh Sarathi.
By the Numbers
- 4,674 regulatory compliance burdens reduced to ease industrial operations.
- 12 industrial corridors under development—6 along the Purvanchal Expressway and 6 along the Bundelkhand Expressway.
- 500 Fortune Global and Fortune India companies targeted through incentive schemes to attract investments.
- 97% resolution rate on Nivesh Mitra, offering over 487 online services across 43 departments.
Uttar Pradesh’s transition from a laggard state to an economic powerhouse exemplifies effective governance, visionary leadership, and focused reforms. With sustained momentum, UP is poised to play a critical role in shaping India’s economic future.
