Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Prayagraj on Tuesday evening around 5 PM, where he inaugurated a newly constructed municipal corporation hall and launched as well as laid the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹400 crore. During his visit, he also participated in the evening Ganga Aarti at the Sangam, marking the spiritual significance of the occasion, which coincided with Ganga Dussehra and a Tuesday—considered auspicious in Hindu tradition.
Municipal Corporation Event Marks 3-Year Completion of Executive Body
The Chief Minister attended a special program marking the completion of three years of the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation’s executive body. He praised the civic administration and stated that the municipal corporation would now be identified with the successful organization of the grand Mahakumbh.
He emphasized that the “divine and grand Mahakumbh” had attracted global attention and significantly elevated the city’s identity.
66 Crore Devotees Participated in Mahakumbh: CM Claims
CM Yogi stated that during the 45-day Mahakumbh, around 66 crore devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. He credited the municipal corporation and local administration for their role in managing such a massive spiritual gathering.
He also noted that in 2017, before the current government, Prayagraj was associated with disorder and poor sanitation, discouraging visitors. However, after 2019, when the government organized the Kumbh, it received recognition from UNESCO, bringing global cultural prominence.
Transformation of Prayagraj: From Neglect to Development
Highlighting the city’s transformation, the Chief Minister said that Prayagraj was earlier marked by fear, disorder, and halted development. He claimed that the city has now been freed from mafia influence and crime, ensuring safety for women and traders at all times.
He credited continuous development efforts for changing the city’s image and said that municipal initiatives have played a crucial role in improving urban infrastructure.
Key Infrastructure Projects Announced
CM Yogi announced and highlighted several major infrastructure and redevelopment projects:
- ₹400 crore worth of municipal projects, including new civic infrastructure
- Digital monitoring systems for municipal operations
- Development of zonal parks
- Expansion of “Shivalik Park” under a waste-to-wealth model
He specifically mentioned that the Shivalik Park project used around 400 tonnes of waste material to create replicas of major pilgrimage sites and the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Heritage Restoration: Akshayvat and Maharshi Bharadwaj Ashram
The Chief Minister highlighted heritage restoration work, stating that previously restricted religious sites such as Akshayvat and Saraswati Koop were opened for public devotees in 2019 under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also mentioned the restoration of Maharshi Bharadwaj’s ancient ashram, which was cleared of illegal encroachment and redeveloped as a cultural and historical site.
Major Connectivity and Bridge Projects
CM Yogi announced major connectivity upgrades for Prayagraj:
- Travel time from Prayagraj to Delhi reduced to around 7 hours via the Ganga Expressway
- A ₹1000 crore four-lane bridge over the Ganga river approved for North Assembly constituency
- Proposed inauguration and foundation laying of additional bridges with potential participation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi
These projects are aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth through industrial corridors.
Future Vision: Continuous Development Without Pause
The Chief Minister reiterated that more large-scale projects are planned for Prayagraj in the coming years. He assured that development work will continue “without pause and without hesitation,” focusing on infrastructure, heritage preservation, and economic expansion.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The event was also addressed by several leaders, including:
- State Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh
- Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’
- Prayagraj Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani
- MLAs and other public representatives including Harsh Vardhan Bajpai, Deepak Patel, and Piyush Ranjan Nishad
The visit highlighted the Uttar Pradesh government’s focus on transforming Prayagraj into a major spiritual, cultural, and infrastructural hub. With large-scale investments, heritage restoration, and connectivity projects, the administration aims to position the city as a modern urban center while preserving its religious and historical identity.
