PM Modi’s Kanpur Visit: Will Rs 20,900-Crore Development Push Help Restore City’s Lost Glory?

Last Updated:May 29, 2025, 14:34 IST

For a city that once boasted of being the ‘Manchester of the East’ but has since seen its industrial fortunes dwindle, this development push could indeed be a turning point

As PM Modi prepares to visit Kanpur on 30 May, the spotlight is on a massive bouquet of development projects worth Rs 20,900 crore. (PTI)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Kanpur on 30 May, the spotlight is on a massive bouquet of development projects worth Rs 20,900 crore. These projects—ranging from power infrastructure and metro connectivity to water treatment and road expansions—have raised a pertinent question among citizens and observers alike: can this extensive development drive reclaim Kanpur’s long-lost glory as a major industrial and urban hub of Uttar Pradesh?

During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple high-value projects across Kanpur and other parts of the state. A key highlight will be the launch of five major thermal power units in Khurja, Obra, and Jawaharpur, alongside the inauguration of the Rs 8,300 crore, 660 MW Panki Thermal Power Extension Project and three units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project worth Rs 9,330 crore. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the state’s power generation capacity.

Another marquee project on the list is the inauguration of the Chunniganj to Kanpur Central section of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project, built at a cost of over Rs 2,120 crore. The 14-station corridor—five of which are underground—is being widely hailed as a long-awaited solution to Kanpur’s notorious traffic woes.

WHAT DO POLITICAL ANALYSTS SAY?

Political analyst Mahesh Sharma, based in Kanpur, believes the visit carries significance that goes far beyond infrastructure. “This visit is both developmental and deeply political," Sharma said. “After Operation Sindoor, which shook administrative circles and raised questions about the implementation of welfare schemes at the ground level, the Prime Minister’s direct engagement in Kanpur signals a reset. By personally inaugurating Rs 20,900 crore worth of projects, PM Modi is not just showcasing infrastructural progress but also reinforcing public trust in governance," added Sharma.

He adds that Kanpur, once a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s industrial might, has often felt neglected in recent years despite its size and economic potential.

“These power plants, metro corridors, roadways, and sewage treatment facilities are not just public amenities; they are political messaging tools—a statement that the government is delivering tangible change. With the 2027 state elections and the next Lok Sabha battle in mind, this visit is about reclaiming urban voters, re-energising the cadre, and bridging the gap between promises and perception," Sharma pointed out.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who conducted an on-site review of preparations on Wednesday, has directed officials to ensure flawless execution, adequate security, and proper inter-departmental coordination for the high-profile event. The PM is scheduled to address a public rally at the Chandrashekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSA) ground.

A RAY OF HOPE FOR LOCALS

Local residents are optimistic, especially about the Metro rail project, which they say could transform daily life. Ragini Srivastava, a teacher who commutes daily between Chunniganj and Anwarganj, said, “The Metro will finally give us a break from the endless traffic jams. It’s fast, clean, and a much-needed alternative to our chaotic roads."

Anil Verma, a shopkeeper near Kanpur Central, echoed similar sentiments. “If implemented well, the Metro could become Kanpur’s lifeline. It will not only reduce traffic but also boost small businesses around the stations," said Verma.

Beyond urban mobility, the PM will also inaugurate two critical rail overbridges at Panki Power House and Panki Dham crossings, a 40 MLD Tertiary Treatment Plant at Bingawan (worth over Rs 290 crore) to promote sustainable sewage treatment, and lay the foundation stone for road-widening projects under the Defence Corridor initiative.

Further bolstering the state’s power infrastructure, PM Modi will also inaugurate substations in Greater Noida’s Ecotech-8 and Ecotech-10, and lay the foundation of a 220 kV substation in Sector 28 under YEIDA in Gautam Buddh Nagar, totalling over Rs 320 crore.

Adding a social outreach dimension, the Prime Minister will also distribute certificates and cheques to beneficiaries of government schemes like the PM Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, the National Livelihood Mission, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

While the development spree has sparked hope, it also brings expectations. “We hope this isn’t just an election-season spectacle. If these projects are completed on time, Kanpur might truly reclaim its position as a progressive and well-connected city," said Rauf Alam, a college student.

As Kanpur readies itself to welcome the Prime Minister, the mood on the ground is one of cautious optimism. For a city that once boasted of being the “Manchester of the East" but has since seen its industrial fortunes dwindle, this development push could indeed be a turning point—if promises meet performance.

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