Focus on Inclusive Growth, Infrastructure, and Cultural Heritage
Lucknow: Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh inaugurated multiple public welfare projects worth ₹58.27 crore in the city during the annual event of the Gomtinagar Jan Kalyan Mahasamiti.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Laxman Mandapam in Gomti Nagar, was attended by several prominent leaders including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Seth, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and other dignitaries.
At the press of a button, the leaders jointly inaugurated a series of key projects, including community and daycare centres at Laxman Mandapam (Gomti Nagar and Ganeshganj), a community centre in Sudarshanpuri (Aishbagh), the Dev Van–Nakshatra Vatika and an e-library in Vineet Khand, Gomti Nagar, and the Lucknow Culture and Art Museum at Husainabad Chowk.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh described the occasion as a historic milestone for Lucknow, stating that the initiatives marked another step forward in fulfilling the vision of inclusive and sustainable urban development. He emphasized that true development goes beyond infrastructure such as roads and buildings, and must ensure improved quality of life for all sections of society, including women, youth, and the elderly.
Highlighting the need for accessible community spaces, he noted that residents in areas like Gomti Nagar and Ganeshganj had long faced challenges in finding affordable venues for social functions. The newly inaugurated community centres and daycare facilities, he said, would provide much-needed support to families, especially working women, by offering safe and convenient spaces.
Speaking about the Dev Van–Nakshatra Vatika, Singh said the project had transformed previously neglected land into a green, well-planned space featuring medicinal plants and thematic gardens based on traditional principles. He added that such initiatives would promote environmental awareness, health, and community well-being, while encouraging children to connect with nature.
The e-library facility, he said, would serve as a valuable resource for students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, providing free access to knowledge in the digital age.
Highlighting Lucknow’s rich cultural legacy, the Defence Minister said the newly inaugurated cultural museum at Husainabad would help preserve and promote the city’s heritage, craftsmanship, and composite culture, while also boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities for local artisans and traders.
Rajnath Singh also spoke extensively on infrastructure development, noting significant improvements in roads, highways, flyovers, and railway facilities in and around Lucknow. He highlighted upcoming projects, including a new national highway corridor connecting Barabanki to Bahraich, which is expected to reduce travel time and stimulate economic growth in the region.
He further pointed to developments in railways, aviation, and the defence sector, including the establishment of advanced manufacturing facilities and increased connectivity, which are expected to generate employment and strengthen the local economy.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to development, Singh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh had witnessed transformative growth across sectors.
The event saw the presence of several office-bearers of the Mahasamiti, including Dr. B.N. Singh, Dr. Raghvendra Shukla, Rakesh Tyagi, Dr. Pashupati Pandey, and others, along with a large number of local residents and stakeholders.
