LUCKNOW: In eight years, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has enacted historic reforms, from building world-class infrastructure for connectivity and exam cheating to women’s empowerment through Mission Shakti and free electricity for farmers. These bold decisions underscore CM Yogi’s commitment to governance and development. Here are eight transformative moves that have defined his tenure. 1. Infrastructure and Connectivity
Under the leadership of CM Yogi, currently, six expressways are operational in the state, and construction of 11 more is underway. These include Yamuna Expressway (165 km), Agra-Lucknow Expressway (302 km), Purvanchal Expressway (340 km), Bundelkhand Expressway (296 km), Gorakhpur Link Expressway (91 km) and Ganga Expressway (594 km). Upon completion of the Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh will account for 55% of the country’s expressway network. UP also boasts the largest railway network and the highest number of operational metro systems in the country. India’s first rapid rail between Delhi and Meerut and the first waterway between Haldia and Varanasi also began in UP. Today, the number of airports in UP has risen to 16, including four international airports. The country’s largest airport at Jewar is also nearing completion.2. Launch of Mission Shakti
Launched in October 2020, Mission Shakti is a flagship campaign focusing on women’s safety, dignity, and self-reliance. As part of this initiative, Anti-Romeo Squads were activated across the state and took action in over 32,000 cases of harassment. The Kanya Sumangala Yojana has extended financial support to more than 22.12 lakh girls, promoting their education and overall well-being. Emergency helplines like 112 and 181 were strengthened, offering timely help to women in distress.
3. Free Electricity for Irrigation
In a major pro-farmer move, the Yogi government announced a 100% waiver on electricity bills for private tube well users, effective from April 1, 2024. This decision, promptly implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL), benefited lakhs of farmers across the state. Over 4 lakh private tube wells were connected to enhance irrigation facilities, and more than 3,000 rural feeders were separated to ensure uninterrupted power supply for agriculture. Additionally, restrictions on tube well connections in dark zones were lifted, extending the benefit to even more farmers.
4. Free Medical Facilities for State Employees and Pensioners
In 2022, the Yogi government introduced a significant welfare initiative to provide cashless medical treatment to all state employees, pensioners, and their dependents. Under this scheme, State Health Cards were issued, enabling beneficiaries to access free treatment in government hospitals across Uttar Pradesh. The card also maintains digital records of the individual’s medical history. Treatments are offered at rates applicable in government medical institutions, ensuring transparency and affordability.
5. Stringent Law Against Paper Leaks and Cheating in Exams
To uphold the integrity of public examinations, the Yogi government enacted a strict anti-cheating and anti-paper leak law in 2024. The law includes a provision for 3 to 5 years of imprisonment for individuals caught cheating in exams. For those involved in organized paper leak operations, the punishment is more severe—5 to 10 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore. Institutions, service providers, or entities found complicit in organized examination fraud face similar stringent penalties. This landmark legislation sends a clear message against academic corruption.
6. Establishment of Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority
In a forward-looking move, the Yogi government approved the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority to promote cost-effective and eco-friendly transport. The Uttar Pradesh Waterways Authority Rules 2025 have been framed to ensure smooth functioning of the authority. Uttar Pradesh is home to 11 of the 111 national waterways declared in the country, including major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna. The objective is to ease the burden on existing transport systems and unlock new opportunities for trade and connectivity through inland waterways.
7. Formation of Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (SCR)
Taking inspiration from the National Capital Region (NCR) model, the Yogi government has approved the creation of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (SCR). The SCR will integrate Lucknow with six surrounding districts, covering an area of 27,826 square kilometers. A formal notification has been issued for this initiative, which aims to promote coordinated urban planning, infrastructure development, and regional growth around the state capital.
8. Creation of a New Industrial City After 47 Years
Breaking a 47-year gap since the formation of NOIDA in 1976, the Yogi government took a landmark decision in 2023 to establish the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA). Modeled after NOIDA, BIDA will be developed by integrating 33 villages of Jhansi district. This move is expected to spur comprehensive development in the Bundelkhand region, attract industrial investments, and create large-scale employment opportunities—marking a new chapter in the state’s industrial growth.
