Lucknow, January 9: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with Defense Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh, inaugurated the Ashok Leyland Company’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing unit in Lucknow on Friday.
The Chief Minister and other guests inspected the factory and planted vermillion and Rudraksha saplings. CM Yogi congratulated the Hinduja family for their investment and thanked them for their trust in the Uttar Pradesh government.
The Chief Minister said that before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was in need of recognition and plagued by unrest, but today it is a state of celebration. Uttar Pradesh is no longer a sick state; it has established itself as a revenue surplus state. Due to determined decisions, clear intentions, and clear thinking, “Fearless Business, Ease of Doing Business, and Trust of Doing Business” have become the hallmarks of the new Uttar Pradesh. No investor can fall victim to policy paralysis here. Uttar Pradesh now has 34 sectoral policies, through which investors can invest in any sector and contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s development journey.
CM Yogi said that this investment is extremely important for Uttar Pradesh. Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh’s anarchy was no secret, and investors were fleeing. However, upon coming to power in 2017, we declared that Uttar Pradesh is a state of unlimited potential. Some people maligned it for their political interests, but Uttar Pradesh has now become a state that transforms unlimited potential into results. The transformation over the last eight and a half years is a prime example of this.
Yogi Adityanath said that the manufacturing capacity of this unit is currently 2,500 units per year. This is to be gradually increased to 5,000 units per year. This project also symbolizes the Prime Minister’s commitment to Uttar Pradesh’s industrial development and environmental protection, and our firm belief in it. As the world grapples with global warming and global cooling, and numerous disasters pose challenges, we can all prepare ourselves for such a situation. This electric vehicle manufacturing plant is part of an effort in this direction. This has directly and indirectly created job and employment opportunities for thousands of youth in the state.
The Chief Minister noted that investment is currently being made in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Referring to improved connectivity, the Chief Minister stated that Uttar Pradesh boasts 55% of the country’s expressways. Uttar Pradesh operates electric vehicles and metros for public transport in the largest number of cities. Uttar Pradesh boasts the largest rail network in the country. Two dedicated freight corridors being built in the country pass through Uttar Pradesh. Work is underway to develop logistics terminals and logistics and transport hubs along these lines. Uttar Pradesh also has the first rapid rail and waterway in the country.
The Chief Minister stated that Ashok Leyland’s EV manufacturing plant is part of the FDI and Fortune 500 policies. Before 2017, FDI in Uttar Pradesh was a mere drop in the ocean, but today, through its policies, Uttar Pradesh has attracted FDI and Fortune 500 companies.
He stated that the MoU was signed in September 2023. The LOI and land transfer process was completed in January 2024. The world-class plant, built in just 18 months and now being dedicated to the nation, is a result of the double-engine, fast-track approval system, and good governance.
Referring to the bus manufactured at the plant, Yogi Adityanath said it is a 17-18-seater bus costing โน1.5 million. Furthermore, Uttar Pradesh’s electric vehicle policy will play a crucial role in giving new impetus to other manufacturing initiatives, including school buses and city-to-city connectivity. The Uttar Pradesh government is signing an MoU with the Hindu Group to engage 10,000 youth from Uttar Pradesh in skill development programs at this plant annually.