In a significant pre-election push, the Uttar Pradesh government has laid out an ambitious roadmap for 2026, a year seen as pivotal before the state and nation head to the polls in 2027. The plan is packed with major infrastructure inaugurations, massive employment generation, and key policy initiatives aimed at transforming the state's economy and governance.
Massive Employment Drive and Infrastructure Milestones
The cornerstone of the 2026 plan is a promise to fill a staggering 1.5 lakh government vacancies. This recruitment drive will see 50,000 posts each in the police and education departments, along with 20,000 positions in the revenue department. This move is expected to significantly impact youth employment and strengthen public service delivery.
On the infrastructure front, 2026 is set to be a landmark year. The much-anticipated Noida International Airport in Jewar is scheduled to commence operations. Initially starting with a single runway, the airport is designed to handle one crore passengers annually and manage up to 150 flights per day, boosting connectivity and economic activity in western UP.
Furthermore, the state is readying to open the Ganga Expressway, which will be Uttar Pradesh's longest expressway. This 594-kilometer artery will link Meerut to Prayagraj, traversing 12 districts and 518 villages. Additionally, the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway is targeted for completion by February 2026. Once operational, it will slash travel time between Lucknow airport and Kanpur from the current 2-3 hours to a mere 40 minutes.
Boosting Investment and Strengthening Healthcare
The government is also preparing to host its fifth Ground Breaking Ceremony since 2017, with plans to launch projects valued at over Rs 5 lakh crore. There are also preparations to organise another Global Investors Summit to attract further capital. To streamline business processes, the state will launch Nivesh Mitra 3.0, an enhanced online single-window clearance system for investors.
In the healthcare sector, a notable shift is planned. To reduce the patient load on allopathic hospitals, 53 types of minor surgeries will be introduced in Ayush hospitals across the state. In a bid to tackle substance abuse, the administration is framing strict rules to prevent the black marketing of codeine-based cough syrups and drugs under the NDPS category, following a proposal from the food safety and drug administration headquarters.
Enhanced Governance and Security Measures
Recognising the growing threat in the digital space, the government has announced a key upgrade for public safety. The capacity of call centres dedicated to addressing cyber fraud and crime is set to be doubled. This move aims to provide faster response and support to victims of online financial crimes.
Collectively, these wide-ranging developments slated for 2026 represent a comprehensive strategy focusing on job creation, infrastructure enhancement, investment promotion, and public welfare. The successful execution of these projects will be closely watched as Uttar Pradesh positions itself for the future, with the 2027 electoral battle looming on the horizon.
