Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed the bhoomi pujan for 14 development projects worth over ₹100 crore at the Lucknow Cantonment on August 30, 2026. These include two projects being launched with the support of the state government.
Key Infrastructure & Development Projects: The key projects include an AI-based Solid Waste Management Plant, Multi-Utility Sports Complex, Modern Crematorium, 1,500 KL Underground Reservoir, upgraded water supply pipelines, SCADA-enabled tubewells and overhead tanks, a Special School for Differently Abled Children, upgraded school facilities, a Multi-Level Robotic Car Parking & Commercial Complex, and Legacy Waste Bio-Mining & Bio-Remediation.
Work is underway on two major projects with the support of the state government: RA Bazar City Polyclinic and Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Coaching Center. The Defence Minister and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme along with approximately 4,000 people.
The Defence Minister stated that the objective of these initiatives is to strengthen civic amenities, education, healthcare, sports, sanitation, water supply, and urban infrastructure within the cantonment. He emphasized that the development of the Lucknow Cantonment is deeply linked to the overall progress of Lucknow, and that coordination between the Centre and the State is crucial for rapid development and better administration.
The Defence Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is moving towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He remarked that a developed India signifies not merely modern infrastructure, but an improvement in people’s standard of living encompassing quality education, clean water, opportunities for the youth, and the inclusion of differently-abled individuals.
Raksha Mantri said several markets in Lucknow Cantonment have been renamed to replace British-era names with those honoring India’s freedom fighters and national icons. Royal Artillery Bazar is now Ekta Bazar, British Cavalry Bazar as Uda Devi Bazar, British Infantry Bazar as Matadin Valmiki Bazar and Mangal Pandey Bazar, while Kanedy Market has been renamed Atal Bihari Vajpayee Market. The move aims to reconnect future generations with India’s heritage and inspire national service.
Senior officials from the defence sector and the central and state governments, as well as representatives of the Lucknow Cantonment Board, were present on this occasion.
(PIB)
