PM Modi's Kanpur Visit: Will Rs 20,900-Crore Development Push Help Restore City's Lost Glory?
For a city that once boasted of being the 'Manchester of the East' but has since seen its industrial fortunes dwindle, this development push could indeed be a turning point
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Kanpur on 30 May, the spotlight is on a massive bouquet of development projects worth Rs 20,900 crore. These projects—ranging from power infrastructure and metro connectivity to water treatment and road expansions—have raised a pertinent question among citizens and observers alike: can this extensive development drive reclaim Kanpur's long-lost glory as a major industrial and urban hub of Uttar Pradesh?
During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple high-value projects across Kanpur and other parts of the state. A key highlight will be the launch of five major thermal power units in Khurja, Obra, and Jawaharpur, alongside the inauguration of the Rs 8,300 crore, 660 MW Panki Thermal Power Extension Project and three units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project worth Rs 9,330 crore. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the state's power generation capacity.
Another marquee project on the list is the inauguration of the Chunniganj to Kanpur Central section of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project, built at a cost of over Rs 2,120 crore. The 14-station corridor—five of which are underground—is being widely hailed as a long-awaited solution to Kanpur's notorious traffic woes.
WHAT DO POLITICAL ANALYSTS SAY?
Political analyst Mahesh Sharma, based in Kanpur, believes the visit carries significance that goes far beyond infrastructure. 'This visit is both developmental and deeply political," Sharma said. 'After Operation Sindoor, which shook administrative circles and raised questions about the implementation of welfare schemes at the ground level, the Prime Minister's direct engagement in Kanpur signals a reset. By personally inaugurating Rs 20,900 crore worth of projects, PM Modi is not just showcasing infrastructural progress but also reinforcing public trust in governance," added Sharma.
'These power plants, metro corridors, roadways, and sewage treatment facilities are not just public amenities; they are political messaging tools—a statement that the government is delivering tangible change. With the 2027 state elections and the next Lok Sabha battle in mind, this visit is about reclaiming urban voters, re-energising the cadre, and bridging the gap between promises and perception," Sharma pointed out.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who conducted an on-site review of preparations on Wednesday, has directed officials to ensure flawless execution, adequate security, and proper inter-departmental coordination for the high-profile event. The PM is scheduled to address a public rally at the Chandrashekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSA) ground.
A RAY OF HOPE FOR LOCALS
Local residents are optimistic, especially about the Metro rail project, which they say could transform daily life. Ragini Srivastava, a teacher who commutes daily between Chunniganj and Anwarganj, said, 'The Metro will finally give us a break from the endless traffic jams. It's fast, clean, and a much-needed alternative to our chaotic roads."
Anil Verma, a shopkeeper near Kanpur Central, echoed similar sentiments. 'If implemented well, the Metro could become Kanpur's lifeline. It will not only reduce traffic but also boost small businesses around the stations," said Verma.
Beyond urban mobility, the PM will also inaugurate two critical rail overbridges at Panki Power House and Panki Dham crossings, a 40 MLD Tertiary Treatment Plant at Bingawan (worth over Rs 290 crore) to promote sustainable sewage treatment, and lay the foundation stone for road-widening projects under the Defence Corridor initiative.
Further bolstering the state's power infrastructure, PM Modi will also inaugurate substations in Greater Noida's Ecotech-8 and Ecotech-10, and lay the foundation of a 220 kV substation in Sector 28 under YEIDA in Gautam Buddh Nagar, totalling over Rs 320 crore.
Adding a social outreach dimension, the Prime Minister will also distribute certificates and cheques to beneficiaries of government schemes like the PM Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, the National Livelihood Mission, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
While the development spree has sparked hope, it also brings expectations. 'We hope this isn't just an election-season spectacle. If these projects are completed on time, Kanpur might truly reclaim its position as a progressive and well-connected city," said Rauf Alam, a college student.
As Kanpur readies itself to welcome the Prime Minister, the mood on the ground is one of cautious optimism. For a city that once boasted of being the 'Manchester of the East" but has since seen its industrial fortunes dwindle, this development push could indeed be a turning point—if promises meet performance.
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
development projects Kanpur Narendra Modi
Location :
Lucknow, India, India
First Published:
May 29, 2025, 14:34 IST
News india PM Modi's Kanpur Visit: Will Rs 20,900-Crore Development Push Help Restore City's Lost Glory?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Finally, CCMC begins repaving of MGR market roads
COIMBATORE: Bringing much-needed relief to traders and transporters, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has finally begun laying fresh asphalt roads inside the MGR Wholesale Vegetable Market. The civic body took up the work after years of persistent complaints and prolonged delays. For decades, traders operating from the market had been demanding basic road infrastructure, as the area turned into a virtual swamp even after a short spell of rain. The situation was particularly dire during the recent monsoon spell, when stagnant water and thick slush made the market premises inaccessible for both vendors and customers. Several vegetable-laden trucks even got stuck in the sludge, further affecting business. The ongoing renovation of the MGR Market was initiated over two years ago under the Capital Grants Scheme with Rs 3.15 crore allocated in the 2023-24 budget for its overhaul. It was part of a broader city initiative to modernise three major markets including the MGR Wholesale Vegetable Market, the Anna daily market, and the Tomato market in Sundarapuram. However, progress on the MGR Market project remained painfully slow until now, much to the frustration of the traders. Vegetables are brought to the MGR Market daily from across Tamil Nadu and other states like Karnataka, and in turn, distributed to various parts of Coimbatore and even neighbouring Kerala. Over 112 licensed shopkeepers operate from the market, along with hundreds of loadmen and vendors who depend on it for their livelihood. "The poor roads were affecting not just our business but also the safety of everyone here," said D Muthu, a long-time trader. "We are finally seeing some action after years of waiting." With the fresh blacktopping work now underway, there is a renewed sense of optimism among the market community that further improvements might soon follow.
Hans India
30 minutes ago
- Hans India
PM Modi highlights govt's focus on generating jobs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasised his government's focus on generating employment in the public and private sectors, asserting that the country has progressed in every field in the past 11 years. In a virtual address after the distribution of over 51,000 appointment letters, he said his government's welfare schemes, be it building over 4 crore houses for the poor, distributing over 10 crore new LPG connections or the rooftop solar programme, have created lakhs of new employment opportunities. Noting that over 25 crore people were lifted out of poverty in the past 10 years, the prime minister said it would not have happened but for the employment and sources of income generated for them. These poor people used to have a difficult living and feared death but became so strong that they defeated poverty, he added. Modi said his government's focus on boosting manufacturing has paid off, saying electronic manufacturing has risen over five times in 11 years and mobile manufacturing units number nearly 300 from two to four earlier. Defence manufacturing is being discussed proudly after Operation Sindoor, he said in an apparent reference to India's indigenous military capability shown during the conflict with Pakistan.
India Today
32 minutes ago
- India Today
Amazon Prime Day sale: Last day to avail huge discounts on iPhone 16e, Galaxy S24 Ultra
Amazon's Prime Day 2025 is officially underway, and it's bringing the heat -- not just in temperature, but in deals too! The annual shopping sale, live now until July 14, is offering some of the year's most irresistible discounts on gadgets, including smartphones, laptops, and more. But if you've had your eye on a new smartphone, this might be the moment you've been waiting for. advertisementWhether you're a team Android or a loyal Apple fan, there's something for Prime Day sale: Discounts on iPhone 16e, Galaxy S24 Ultra and moreAmong the biggest head-turners is the freshly launched iPhone 16e, which made its India debut at Rs 59,999. Thanks to a combo of instant and bank discounts, you can now snag it for just Rs 49,999. That's right, ten thousand bucks saved, just like that. The iPhone 15 isn't missing out on the fun either. Originally Rs 69,900, it's effectively down to Rs 57,249. That's nearly Rs 12,600 off! Prefer Android powerhouses? The deals get even juicier. The mighty Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, originally priced at a hefty Rs 1,29,999, is crashing down to Rs 74,999, possibly one of the wildest price drops of the sale. Meanwhile, OnePlus is slicing prices across the board. The new OnePlus 13 is Rs 5,000 off straight away, and an extra Rs 5,000 vanishes if you use select bank cards, bringing the total down to Rs 59,999 from Rs 69, looking to break the bank but still want a solid upgrade? The OnePlus 13s is getting a sweet bank offer that drags it below the Rs 50,000 mark. And the OnePlus 13R, already a wallet-friendly flagship, will dip from Rs 42,999 to an effective Rs 39,999. For those chasing performance on a budget, the iQOO Neo 10R drops to Rs 23,499, and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite can be yours for just Rs 15,999, an excellent deal on a device that was already a steal at Rs 19, wait, there's more! Big-name budget phones like the Realme Narzo 80 Pro, Lava Storm Play, Redmi A4, iQOO Z10x, and Samsung Galaxy A55 are all getting price trims during the sale. So no matter your budget, you've got it's not just about phones, audiophiles, rejoice! Amazon's bringing big-name audio tech into the spotlight too. The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is dropping massively from Rs 74,990 to Rs 44,990, while the acclaimed Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are marked down to Rs 20,990. Even the slick Accentum Special Edition cans are down to an effective Rs 9,900.- Ends
