In a landmark announcement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled ambitious plans to transform Greater Agra into the state’s next industrial powerhouse, rivaling Noida. Speaking at a grand event near Agra’s Inner Ring Road in Rehn Kalan on Tuesday, the CM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 325 development projects worth Rs 6,466.37 crore.
Paying homage to the sacred Braj region, Yogi performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the ‘Greater Agra’ township. He emphasized that this new urban extension would not only be smart but ultra-secure, positioning Agra beyond its tourism fame into a modern economic and cultural hub. ‘Greater Agra will soon become the second Noida,’ he declared, promising an influx of major corporations and a surge in employment opportunities for the youth.
Under the UP government’s ‘New Cities Incentive Scheme,’ the Agra Development Authority (ADA) will develop this 449.65-hectare township in Raipur and Rehn Kalan areas at a cost of around Rs 5,142 crore. Unique features include sectors named after holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Godavari. Approved by RERA, the project offers multi-story flats, group housing, plots, modern roads, sewerage, green spaces, and civic amenities for over 10,000 families – blending faith and contemporary urban living.
Despite adverse weather forcing a detour from Mathura-Vrindavan and a delay at Agra airport, Yogi was overwhelmed by the massive public turnout. He acknowledged the region’s strong political support – nine MLAs, a mayor, MP, and district panchayat chair – reciprocated with mega projects like the Agra Metro. The event launched initiatives bolstering infrastructure, tourism, housing, and connectivity.
Looking ahead, the CM announced accelerated expansion of Agra Airport with a new civil terminal by year-end, focused development in Fatehpur Sikri, and potential rubber dam construction if DPR is ready on time. Contrasting global turmoil – wars, inflation, petrol prices quadrupling in the US, Pakistan’s collapse – with India’s steady growth under PM Modi, Yogi highlighted reduced excise duties curbing inflation and India’s rising global leadership.
He celebrated scrapping Article 370 to end terrorism, eradicating Naxalism, demolishing mafia networks under double-engine governance, and restoring cultural glory to Ayodhya, Mathura, and Sambhal. Urging unity for Sanatan pride, Yogi promised a swift return for Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial, museum, and Metro Phase 2 inauguration.