From roads to airports: Uttar Pradesh records sharp rise in infrastructure investment

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh has seen significant surge in capital expenditure and infrastructure development over the past decade, positioning the state as a major contributor to country's infrastructure expansion under the broader “Viksit Bharat” framework.

The state’s capital expenditure rose to Rs 1.47 lakh crore in 2024–25, compared with Rs 1,178 crore in 1990–91. Spending has more than doubled in eight years, from Rs 69,789 crore in 2016–17. Investments have been directed toward roads, transport systems, irrigation, power supply, and social infrastructure.


Road and highway expansion

Rural road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana expanded from 51,549 km in 2013–14 to 77,425 km by 2024–25. Officials attributed the increase to accelerated implementation after 2017.

The state’s expressway network has expanded from three expressways in 2017 to 22 by 2025–26, including projects under construction and proposed. Total expressway length has increased from about 450 km to over 3,000 km.

National highways in Uttar Pradesh more than doubled from 5,599 km in 2004–05 to 12,292 km by 2023–24, accounting for about 8.4 per cent of India’s total national highway network.

Aviation sector growth

Uttar Pradesh currently has 16 operational airports, including four international airports, with five more under construction. Passenger traffic increased from 4.79 lakh in 1999–2000 to 1.42 crore in 2024–25. Officials estimate further growth once the Jewar International Airport near Delhi NCR becomes operational.

Banking and credit expansion

The Credit-to-Deposit ratio in the state rose from 43 percent in 2016–17 to 60 percent in 2024–25. Uttar Pradesh has over 20,400 bank branches, nearly 4 lakh banking correspondents including BC Sakhi agents, and about 18,700 ATMs.

Outstanding credit increased from ₹3.54 lakh crore in 2017 to ₹9.24 lakh crore in 2024. Industrial credit more than doubled during the period, rising from Rs 82,800 crore to Rs 1.68 lakh crore.

Industrial development

The number of registered factories under the Factories Act, 1948, increased to 27,295 in 2024–25, compared with 14,169 in 2016–17. This represents a 93 percent rise over eight years, faster than growth recorded in previous periods.

Officials say the expansion reflects increased investment, improved infrastructure, and changes in industrial and business regulations.