The Uttar Pradesh Budget for 2023-24 focuses on creating robust infrastructure to accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The budget reflects the government’s vision for a modern, sustainable, and inclusive Uttar Pradesh by allocating significant funds and introducing various initiatives to enhance transportation, energy, urban development, and rural connectivity.
This article outlines the major provisions and initiatives introduced in the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2023-24 aimed at infrastructure development.
Key Focus Areas in Infrastructure Development
The Uttar Pradesh government has outlined its priorities for infrastructure under several key areas:
- Transportation and Connectivity
- Urban Infrastructure Development
- Energy and Power Sector Initiatives
- Water Resources and Irrigation
- Digital and IT Infrastructure
- Rural Infrastructure Development
1. Transportation and Connectivity
Transportation and connectivity remain at the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure initiatives, with a strong emphasis on improving roadways, railways, and air transport facilities.
Road Infrastructure
- Expressways: Continuing its focus on expressway projects, the budget allocated significant funds for the completion and maintenance of ongoing projects, including the Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, and Gorakhpur Link Expressway.
- New Expressways: Plans were introduced for new expressways like the Ganga Expressway, aimed at improving east-west connectivity across the state.
- State Highways and Rural Roads: The budget emphasized upgrading state highways and constructing rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Railway Infrastructure
- Collaborations with Indian Railways to modernize railway stations and expand rail connectivity in underserved regions.
- Budget support for metro rail projects in cities like Kanpur, Agra, and Varanasi.
Air Connectivity
- Expansion of regional airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
- Development of new airports in Jewar (Noida International Airport) and Ayodhya to boost tourism and trade.
- Modernization of existing airports in Lucknow and Gorakhpur.
2. Urban Infrastructure Development
Urban areas are pivotal to the state’s economic growth, and the government has focused on creating smart cities, affordable housing, and improved public amenities.
Smart Cities Mission
- Significant funding was allocated for smart city projects in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra, focusing on modernizing urban infrastructure and digital services.
- Projects under this initiative include smart traffic management systems, waste management solutions, and public Wi-Fi zones.
Affordable Housing
- The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) received budgetary support to construct affordable housing units for urban and rural populations.
- Incentives were announced for private developers to participate in affordable housing schemes.
Water Supply and Sanitation
- Continued implementation of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) to ensure piped water supply and improved sanitation in urban areas.
- Allocation of funds for sewage treatment plants and solid waste management systems in major cities.
3. Energy and Power Sector Initiatives
Ensuring adequate and sustainable energy supply is a priority in the 2023-24 budget. Key provisions include:
Renewable Energy Development
- Promoting solar energy through the installation of rooftop solar panels and solar parks.
- Expansion of the solar power capacity under the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy.
Power Infrastructure
- Funds were allocated to improve power distribution networks and reduce transmission losses.
- Support for rural electrification projects under the Saubhagya scheme to ensure 24×7 electricity in all villages.
- Modernization of existing power plants and establishment of new energy facilities to meet growing demand.
4. Water Resources and Irrigation
The state has allocated significant resources to strengthen irrigation systems and manage water resources effectively.
Canal Modernization
- Projects to modernize canals and ensure efficient irrigation for farmers in regions like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal.
Dam Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation and strengthening of dams to improve water storage capacity and prevent flooding.
Drinking Water Projects
- Under the Har Ghar Jal Mission, the budget aims to ensure tap water connections for all rural households.
5. Digital and IT Infrastructure
Recognizing the role of digital infrastructure in driving growth, the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2023-24 includes provisions for:
Digital Governance
- Expansion of e-governance services to rural areas, making government services more accessible.
- Digitization of land records and other public services.
IT Parks and Data Centers
- Development of IT parks in major cities to attract investments in the technology sector.
- Establishment of data centers in Noida to support the digital economy.
6. Rural Infrastructure Development
To ensure inclusive growth, the budget prioritizes infrastructure development in rural areas:
Rural Roads and Bridges
- Construction of new rural roads and maintenance of existing infrastructure under state and central schemes.
Agriculture Infrastructure
- Establishment of cold storage facilities and food processing units to support farmers.
- Promotion of agro-industrial parks in rural districts.
Rural Electrification and Water Supply
- Ensuring uninterrupted power supply and clean drinking water in rural households.
Budgetary Allocation Highlights
- A substantial portion of the budget was allocated to the infrastructure sector, with over ₹1 lakh crore earmarked for infrastructure projects.
- Specific allocations for expressways, airports, and metro projects underline the government’s focus on integrated development.
- Renewable energy and rural connectivity received increased funding compared to the previous year.
Conclusion
The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2023-24 demonstrates the state government’s strong commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth. By focusing on transportation, urban development, energy, and rural connectivity, the government aims to create a robust foundation for a prosperous Uttar Pradesh. These provisions will not only enhance the quality of life for citizens but also attract investments, boost employment, and position the state as a hub of development and innovation in the coming decade.
