UP Cabinet clears metro expansion, approves OBC commission
Lucknow, May 18
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday approved several key proposals related to infrastructure, healthcare, energy, urban transport and panchayat reservation in the state. The decisions are seen as significant for boosting development and investment in the state.
Proposals related to metro projects in Agra and Lucknow were cleared in the cabinet. In Agra, land transfer was approved for the construction of stations and elevated sections under the second corridor.
In Lucknow, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding among the Centre, the state government and the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation for the Charbagh to Vasant Kunj east-west corridor, which is estimated to cost about Rs 5,801 crore.
To strengthen power supply in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a 765/400 kV transmission substation in Mirzapur along with associated transmission lines. The project, estimated at Rs 2,799.47 crore, is expected to improve power evacuation and distribution, benefiting domestic, commercial and industrial consumers.
In the healthcare sector, approval was granted for the construction of a 1,100-bed advanced emergency medical centre, a teaching block and an OPD block at the new campus of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences on Shaheed Path. The project, estimated at around Rs 855 crore, is likely to enhance medical services in the state capital and adjoining districts while strengthening medical education and training.
The Cabinet also decided to transfer additional land to the Medical Education Department for the expansion and upgradation of Swaroop Rani Hospital. The move aims to address the rising patient load and improve treatment facilities for people in the Prayagraj region.
The Cabinet also approved an increase in the training allowance for veterinary students to provide financial support and help develop skilled manpower in the sector.
Additionally, approval was granted for the formation of the "Uttar Pradesh State Dedicated Backward Class Commission" to determine OBC reservation in three-tier panchayat elections. The commission, which will comprise five members, including a retired High Court judge as chairperson, will study the representation of backward classes and submit its recommendations.
In higher education, the Cabinet cleared the issuance of a letter of intent for setting up "Sardar Patel Apex University" in Samaspur village in Chunar tehsil of Mirzapur district.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The RMLIMS expansion is much needed. Shaheed Path area is growing rapidly and the current hospital is always crowded. 1100-bed facility plus teaching block will help so many patients from Lucknow and nearby districts. Hope they complete it on time without cost overruns. 😊
OBC commission for panchayat elections is a smart move. Reservation should be based on actual population data, not just political convenience. A retired High Court judge heading it ensures fairness. But I hope they study ground realities properly and not just do a formality. The backward classes in UP need genuine representation.
Impressive list of decisions! 🎉 Metro, healthcare, power, education - all covered. The Sardar Patel Apex University in Mirzapur will open up opportunities for rural students. And Swaroop Rani Hospital upgrade will finally ease the burden on Prayagraj's medical facilities. This is what good governance looks like - focusing on basics rather than just photo ops.
While development is good, I hope the government also focuses on regular maintenance and operational efficiency. Metro projects in other states have faced issues with last-mile connectivity and ticketing systems. Also, the veterinary training allowance increase is nice but paltry - agriculture and animal husbandry need much more investment. Overall a positive step but execution will matter more than announcements.
Eastern UP electricity upgrade is a big win for us! We still face voltage fluctuations during summer. A 765/400 kV substation will finally stabilize supply for industrial areas in Mirzapur region. This could attract more investors to Purvanchal. Well done cabinet! 🙌