Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said Aligarh is poised to emerge as a major defence manufacturing and supply hub, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval of the Defence Manufacturing Corridor for giving the district a new direction.
“The process of development will neither stop nor slow down, but will continue to move forward relentlessly. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government is working with this commitment. By approving the Defence Manufacturing Corridor for Aligarh, Prime Minister Modi has given a new direction to the district. Aligarh is now poised to become a major centre for defence production and supply,” the Chief Minister said, while inaugurating and laying the foundation
stone for 85 development projects worth more than Rs 462 crore in Aligarh, Kol and the Municipal Corporation area.
During the event, CM Yogi also distributed certificates to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes and was honoured with a memento. He thanked public representatives for the development initiatives and congratulated the people of Aligarh.
The Chief Minister said the occasion provided an opportunity to review ongoing development projects, approve new initiatives and speed up existing works in the district.
“The occasion provided an opportunity to review ongoing development projects, approve new initiatives, and accelerate existing works in Aligarh. Baba Khereshwar Mahadev, Baba Akhileshwar Mahadev, and other ancient spiritual sites associated with the region’s rich traditions have given Aligarh a distinct identity. National hero Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh had proclaimed the call for India’s freedom in 1915 by forming the elected Government of India in Afghanistan,” he said.
Paying tribute to national hero Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, Yogi said the late BJP leader had played a key role in shaping Aligarh’s identity in post-Independence India.
“Despite being born into an ordinary farming family, he played a pivotal role in giving Aligarh a new identity in independent India,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the city’s industrial potential, Yogi said Aligarh had earned global recognition through its lock and hardware industries and was now set to play a crucial role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
“The Kol and Aligarh City Assembly constituencies have received a major package of development projects. The hard work and vision of artisans and craftsmen first established Aligarh as the ‘City of Locks’ and later as a globally recognised hardware manufacturing hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval of the Defence Manufacturing Corridor has opened a new chapter for the district. Aligarh is set to become an important centre for defence manufacturing and supply and will play a major role in making India self-reliant in the defence sector. The city is fully prepared to demonstrate its capabilities in manufacturing weapons and equipment required for national security,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, the Chief Minister added, “The pace of development in Aligarh will neither stop nor slow down; it will continue uninterrupted.”
He also highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, including Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University, the Smart City initiative, road projects, hospitals and educational institutions.
“The long-pending demand for the establishment of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University has been fulfilled, and new facilities are being developed there at a rapid pace. Comprehensive development programmes are being implemented to transform Aligarh into a Smart City. For the Aligarh region alone, projects worth nearly ₹2,800 crore have been approved by the Public Works Department. In addition, construction of a six-lane highway by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is progressing rapidly. Work on the Ring Road, flyovers, polytechnics, hospitals, colleges, and other important institutions is also underway. Such development projects become possible only when people elect capable representatives who possess a clear vision for progress. Those who make development an integral part of their lives can work effectively towards it. The double-engine government is advancing this vision with determination. Today, 85 projects worth more than ₹462 crore have been inaugurated and launched in the Kol and Aligarh City Assembly constituencies,” he said.
Emphasising the need to preserve heritage while pursuing development, Yogi said, “Prime Minister Modi’s vision of carrying development and heritage together must be advanced effectively. Along with development, expansion of security and civic amenities is equally important.”
The Chief Minister also inspected Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University and reviewed the progress of ongoing works. He assured residents that development projects would continue in line with the region’s requirements.
During the programme, Yogi received information about the fire incident in Lucknow and announced he would leave immediately for the state capital.
“I would visit Aligarh again to further review and accelerate development works,” he said.
The event was attended by Minister-in-Charge Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan, Minister Sandeep Singh, Surendra Diler, MPs and MLAs from the region, Legislative Council members, Mayor Prashant Singhal, District Panchayat Chairperson Vijay Singh and other dignitaries.
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