LUCKNOW, Jan 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major hub of defence manufacturing, with investments of over Rs 34,000 crore already made across six nodes of the state’s defence corridor, marking a decisive shift towards India’s self-reliance in weapons and ammunition production.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant here, Singh said India is no longer dependent on other countries for weapons, missiles or defence equipment. These are now being manufactured domestically, with a significant portion originating from Uttar Pradesh.
The event was arrested by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
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Singh said the defence corridor, spread across Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh and Chitrakoot, is producing arms, ammunition and components for fighter aircraft, with major firms setting up manufacturing units in the state.
“I have been told that investments worth around Rs 34,000 crore have been made in these defence corridor nodes,” he said.
Referring to the Uttar Pradesh Aerospace and Defence Unit and Employment Promotion Policy, Singh, the Member of Parliament from Lucknow, said the state is being developed as a major centre for large-scale defence production.
He said the policy aims to attract massive investment over the next five years and create employment opportunities for lakhs of youth, ensuring that people find jobs locally without being forced to migrate outside the state.
Singh said a BrahMos Aerospace factory has already been set up in Lucknow, manufacturing BrahMos missiles, the effectiveness of which was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
He credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for facilitating land allotment and ensuring timely project clearances, saying the “double-engine” government has accelerated development through clear and industry-friendly policies.
He noted that Uttar Pradesh, once labelled a “BIMARU” state hindered by crime and poor governance, is now a growth engine, with new industries being set up regularly and the state now recognised for its contribution to national development.
He said improved law and order has created a stable environment for investors and provided livelihoods for citizens without fear, adding that while development is a government responsibility, peace and security are equally important.
Singh said the new EV plant will support the state’s target of reaching a Rs 36 lakh crore gross state domestic product (GSDP).
He said Ashok Leyland plant, spread across a 70-acre campus, was completed in 18 months, well ahead of the planned 60-month scheduled, and added that once fully operational, the facility is expected to produce 20,500 electric vehicles annually.
Singh praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying India’s global stature has risen and its voice is now respected on international platforms.
He expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh will help India become a developed nation by 2047 and achieve its own goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
Singh said improved road connectivity and law and order were primary reasons for Ashok Leyland’s decision to set up the plant in Uttar Pradesh, adding that the investment of Rs 250 crore is expected to scale beyond Rs 1,000 crore, creating a vital links and jobs across the state. (PTI)
