PM Modi's Kanpur Visit: Will Rs 20,900-Crore Development Push Help Restore City's Lost Glory?

Last Updated:
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?

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

39 minutes ago

• Time of India

Extortion case: BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy arrested at Hyderabad airport, granted bail within hours

HANUMAKONDA: In a dramatic late-night swoop, Warangal police arrested BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Friday and whisked him away to Hanumakonda for questioning in an extortion case . However, in a surprising turn, a Kazipet court rejected the police remand plea and granted him bail on a Rs 20,000 personal bond within hours, bringing an end to the 18-hour high drama. The Huzurabad legislator was booked by the Subedari police on a complaint filed by Katta Umadevi, wife of granite businessman Manoj Reddy. In her complaint, lodged on April 21, Umadevi alleged that Kaushik Reddy had been threatening her husband for over 20 days, demanding money from Manoj for running his granite business in Vangapally village in Kamalapur mandal. She alleged that Kaushik Reddy had already extorted Rs 25 lakh and, on April 18, called again demanding Rs 50 lakh. According to the complaint, he threatened to kill Manoj Reddy and his family and used abusive language. Subedari police registered a case under sections 308(2), 308(4), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The MLA had earlier moved the Telangana high court seeking to quash the FIR. However, the court dismissed his plea on June 16 and vacated the interim protection from arrest, instructing him to cooperate with the investigation. Despite this direction, police claimed that the MLA was evading questioning, which prompted his arrest upon arrival at the airport. After his arrest, Kaushik Reddy was taken to the Subedari police station and later to MGM Hospital for a mandatory medical check-up before being produced in Kazipet railway court. His arrest sparked protests from BRS workers. Former minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao and ex-chief whip Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar arrived at the police station, demanding to meet the MLA. Party workers also attempted to burn an effigy of chief minister A Revanth Reddy outside the station, prompting police to detain several of them and shift them to Madikonda police station. Police will continue their investigation into the extortion charges, sources said.

Hans India

42 minutes ago

• Hans India

Singareni to construct 500 MW pumped storage plant

Kothagudem: As part of its business expansion activities, Singareni Company will undertake construction of a pumped storage power plant based on the closed Medipalli open cast mine water reservoir in Ramagundam-1 area. During a review meetingon Saturday, CMD N Balaram said, 'The company, which has completed the preliminary studies related to this, has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing a complete project report and has presented a letter of award to a public sector undertaking named Vyapcos Limited.' He said that the Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu has already visited the Medipalli open cast mine and the construction site. Explaining the details of the project, he said, 'The plant works like a hydroelectric project in a way. A reservoir dam of about 2,350 m long and 23 m deep will be constructed for water storage on the funds. This reservoir will store 9.64 million cubic meters of water and 8 million cubic meters of water will be used for pumping.' The project cost is estimated to be around Rs 3,000 crore.

India Gazette

43 minutes ago

• India Gazette

'Op Sindhu' not only homecoming, but live example of Modi govt's 'nation first' policy: Tarun Chugh

New Delhi [India], June 22 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Saturday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu, calling it a unique example of the Central government's 'nation first' policy. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even during a global crisis, India prioritises ensuring its citizens' security. In the middle of an ongoing war, a conflict-ridden country like Iran opening its airspace is a big win for India's foreign policy, diplomacy and India's reliability,' Tarun Chugh said while speaking to ANI. ''Operation Sindhu' is not only a homecoming of Indian students but is a live example of the PM Narendra Modi government's 'nation first' policy. Even earlier, during the Russia-Ukraine war or any natural calamity, India has given priority to security for its citizens,' he said. Meanwhile, a special flight carrying 290 Indians stranded in conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi on Saturday night, bringing the total number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 1,117. This marks the fifth batch of Indians evacuated from Iran as part of the ongoing operation. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, 'Operation Sindhu gains momentum. 290 Indian nationals have returned home safely from Iran on a special flight from Mashhad that landed in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 21 June 2025.' 'With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran,' the MEA added. The evacuees, including students, shared their experiences of the tense situation in Iran and expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government and embassy officials. An Indian national from Bihar's Siwan, studying medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, said, 'I am from Siwan, Bihar. I have been in Iran for the last 2 years. I study medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The situation in Tehran is critical. Other places are normal. I am thankful to the government (for the evacuation).' Another evacuee, Naveed, a second-year MBBS student, added, 'I am from Kashmir. I am a 2nd-year MBBS student. I feel very good now. I am thankful to India. They evacuated us.'Describing the fear they faced, one evacuee said, 'I feel very good. There were missiles firing. We were feeling very afraid there. We were stuck there for 1 week.' Momin Ushtaq from Kashmir praised the government's efforts, saying, 'I am from Kashmir. The situation is not good there. We are very thankful to the government of India, Kashmir, and the Embassy. They deserve a special thanks, as they evacuated us and brought us back home.' Gratitude was also directed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Parveen, another evacuee, said, 'I am very happy. I am thankful to PM Modi from the bottom of my heart. Our government helped us to get back here.' Indira Kumari added, 'We have returned. I am thankful to the Indian government and the Prime Minister of India.' Earlier on Saturday, a special flight from Mashhad carrying 310 Indian nationals landed in New Delhi at 4:30 PM. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted a significant nuclear facility in Iran's Isfahan province, as reported by Al Jazeera. As per Al Jazeera, citing an Israeli military spokesperson, the air force struck the main complex as well as buildings involved in centrifuge production. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a centrifuge manufacturing workshop was hit but clarified that no nuclear material was present at the site, so there were no radiological impacts. (ANI)