Lucknow, March 13 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for taking action against criminal elements in the state, saying the government has "cleaned up the society".
He said that "bulldozing also prepares the ground for development".
Speaking at a programme in Lucknow for the inauguration and laying of the foundation for projects worth Rs 1,519 crore under the Green Corridor initiative, Singh asserted that the chief minister's tough action against mafia and criminals has paved the way for development.
"People know Yogi ji by the name 'Bulldozer Baba'. Indeed, people recognize Yogi ji as 'Bulldozer Baba' – and Yogi ji has used bulldozers against the homes of mafia and criminals, giving them a fitting lesson. However, people tend to view only one side of the bulldozer. A bulldozer does not merely demolish; rather, in the wake of demolition, it also paves the way for development," Singh said, drawing applause from the audience.
Praising the state government's action against criminals, he said, "Our honourable chief minister has, simultaneously, undertaken the equally satisfying task of cleansing society of those elements that spread filth – the 'garbage' of society itself."
Singh said the newly inaugurated Green Corridor and other infrastructure initiatives will significantly ease traffic congestion and boost connectivity in Lucknow, asserting that the city has emerged as one of India's most livable urban centres due to sustained development efforts.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the Green Corridor's second phase and foundation-laying ceremony, Singh said, "Lucknow today is being discussed across the world for its development. It has been recognised among the most livable cities, and this transformation has come under the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath."
He said the 28-km Green Corridor project, estimated to cost more than Rs 7,000 crore, will connect Shaheed Path and Kisan Path, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion in the state capital.
"This corridor passing through the city will save travel time and help people avoid traffic jams. It will also remain environmentally friendly with green belts and trees along the route," Singh said.
The defence minister also highlighted that more than 150 trees that came in the alignment of the project were transplanted instead of being cut. "If a tree came in the way of construction, it was not cut but carefully transplanted elsewhere. This reflects the government's commitment to development without harming the environment," he said.
Referring to the defence infrastructure in the region, Singh said Lucknow is playing a growing role in strengthening India's national security.
"The integration and testing facility for the BrahMos missile has been established in Lucknow. This will not only strengthen the country's defence capabilities, but also create new technological opportunities for our youth and give further strength to Make in India," he said.
The defence minister also spoke about the city's improving transport network, including the upcoming Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, a 62-km corridor being developed at a cost of about Rs 4,500 crore. "Once operational, the travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur will be reduced to about 35-40 minutes," he said.
Singh said urban development in the city is being carried out through planned initiatives, including an agreement between the School of Planning and Architecture and the Lucknow Development Authority for scientific and integrated city planning.
He added that the proposed State Capital Region model around Lucknow will ensure coordinated development of surrounding districts, similar to the National Capital Region.
As per a press statement, the defence minister also said that land belonging to the Army was utilised in parts of the Green Corridor project and the work was completed through coordination between civil and defence authorities.
"Both the civil and defence sectors worked together on the project. There were certain challenges regarding land allocation, but they were resolved through mutual coordination. When civil and defence institutions work together, the pace of development multiplies," Singh said.
Referring to defence capabilities, Singh said the BrahMos missile system linked to facilities in Uttar Pradesh has strengthened India's ability to respond to threats. "During Operation Sindoor, it was seen how BrahMos missiles created devastation in terrorist camps in Pakistan. The response delivered by BrahMos has made terrorists think many times before attempting any attack on India," he said, adding that Lucknow's growing role in defence infrastructure makes the city a contributor to national security.
Congratulating residents on the inauguration of the corridor, Singh said the Centre will continue to support projects that promote green mobility, seamless transport and economic growth in Lucknow and the surrounding region.