CM Yogi Adityanath: With the rapid growth of urbanization, many measures have been taken to expand facilities.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that under the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a positive atmosphere has been created in the country in the last 10 years. For the first time in the country, faith has got respect under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He recognised India’s potential and recognised the important places that have given India global recognition. Mahakumbh 2025 has become the world’s largest spiritual and cultural event with more than 53 crore devotees taking a dip of faith in the Triveni Sangam of Maa Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Through this event, we are presenting the strength of India’s faith to the world.
CM Yogi Adityanath was sharing his views in an interaction programme with young entrepreneurs at his official residence today. He told the young entrepreneurs from Mumbai that during this mega event, all of you have got the opportunity to come to Uttar Pradesh and see the historical places here, where devotees from all over the country and abroad are expressing their faith. Talking about Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Kashi, he informed that there has been a huge increase in the number of devotees in these places. After the construction of the temple of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya, there has been a surprising increase in the number of devotees, and in 2024, 14-15 crore devotees came here.
CM Yogi Adityanath also mentioned the increase in the number of devotees after the construction of Shrikashi Vishwanath Dham in Kashi and informed that more than 53 crore devotees have arrived in the last few months during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
He gave the example of a gentleman who proposed to build a replica belonging to the twelve Jyotirlingas in Prayagraj, which was successful as an investment and brought huge benefits to the Municipal Corporation. CM Yogi Adityanath said that this project is an example that through spiritual tourism, not only faith gets respect, but also economic benefits.
CM Yogi Adityanath mentioned various reforms and schemes undertaken in the state under the leadership of the Prime Minister, including the ‘One Janpad One Product’ scheme, which has increased employment opportunities in the state and promoted the export of local products. He cited the success of development of areas like Moradabad, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Varanasi and Firozabad as examples.
CM Yogi Adityanath talked about increasing investment, security, law and order and employment opportunities in the state. He said that Uttar Pradesh is now emerging as the biggest investment destination in the country, where efforts are being made to create employment in 57 thousand Gram Panchayats, thereby promoting self-reliance of villages.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that at present, the metropolitan cities of Uttar Pradesh are moving in the direction of rapid development. Along with the increase in urbanization, many steps have been taken to expand facilities. Had there been no modern infrastructure, would Prayagraj have been able to bear the burden of 15 crore devotees in three days? Earlier the area of Kumbh was 1,000 acres, in 2013 it increased to 2,000 acres, and now Mahakumbh 2025 is being held in an area of 10,000 acres. The government has spent Rs 7,500 crore, mostly on infrastructure. This includes new flyovers, underpasses, road widening, new corridors, expansion of railway stations and airports.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that a provision of Rs 1,500 crore was made for the Kumbh Mela, and all these works are going on at their own pace. Excellent infrastructure has been created at religious places like Prayagraj, Kashi, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Naimish and Chitrakoot. Roads have been widened in Ayodhya and an international airport has also been built there. Shrikashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor has been constructed in Kashi, and despite some opposition, the government worked with a vision, which has yielded good results.
CM Yogi Adityanath also said that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya has received offerings worth Rs 700 crore in a year. With this, Indian Railways has expanded 9 railway stations in Prayagraj. During this period, 5 to 7 lakh devotees are coming to Prayagraj every day by trains. He exhorted the youth to visit these religious and cultural sites so that they can experience the faith and enthusiasm of the devotees.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that Prayagraj, Kashi and Ayodhya have a special place in the spiritual significance of India. In these places, the faith of Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, Maa Saraswati and Lord Shri Ram along with other deities is associated. He elaborated on the worship of Lord Vishwanath in Kashi and the glory of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.
He said that with the development of these religious places, not only the religious faith is getting respect, but they are also respecting Indianness. Through these places of Uttar Pradesh, India is emerging in the new Kalevar, preserving its old traditions.