The government of Uttar Pradesh has outlined its intentions to establish a State Capital Region (SCR) that will link Lucknow and the surrounding districts in central Uttar Pradesh — with the aim of enhancing the potential of the region and ensuring coordinated development.
In line with this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged the prompt formation of the State Capital Region Development Authority (SCRDA) to facilitate this initiative.
As per a government statement, Yogi Adityanath issued instructions during a review meeting of the housing and urban planning department for the development of an action plan of SCRDA within a three-month timeframe.
In September 2022, the Uttar Pradesh government initially announced its intention to establish a SCR, modelled after the National Capital Region.
However, the scope of SCR had to be redefined as Chief Minister Adityanath was not satisfied with the progress. Officials have stated that the revised scope of work will be outlined within two weeks, and a new bid document will be presented for approval by senior officials.
The Chief Minister said that Lucknow, Unnao, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, Sitapur and Barabanki districts should be included in the SCRDA.
The proposed SCR of Uttar Pradesh will now cover an area of 28,826 sqkm, of the six included regions, instead of the previously suggested area of 34,002 sqkm — as Kanpur and Kanpur Dehat will be excluded from SCR.
The SCRDA will be the model of planned urban development in the state. The Chief Minister also emphasised that urban development should be strategically designed with a view towards meeting the requirements of the next hundred years.
The authority will have the responsibility of planning, supervising, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure timely development of the region.
To enhance transportation within SCR, existing national highways, state highways, and roads will be widened. Additionally, the construction of more flyovers, railway overbridges, and elevated roads will facilitate the movement of commuters.
As per the 2011 census, the combined population of these six districts was approximately 2.3 crore.
The SCRDA may also propose the establishment of a rapid transit system to offer faster commuting options for the population residing within the region.