Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak positioned Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s most aggressive growth and investment destinations while addressing CFOs and corporate leaders at the second edition of BW Businessworld’s Offsite CFO event in Lucknow.
Speaking as the chief guest at the gathering, Pathak said the transformation of Uttar Pradesh over the past few years has been driven by improvements in infrastructure, law and order, connectivity and power availability, which he described as essential to attracting large-scale investments into the state.
Addressing an audience comprising CFOs and senior finance leaders, Pathak said Uttar Pradesh had moved from being a state once marked by poor infrastructure and low investor confidence to becoming a major economic and manufacturing hub. He highlighted the rapid expansion of expressways, railway modernisation and airport infrastructure as key indicators of this shift.
He noted that Uttar Pradesh now has 17 operational airports and said the number is expected to rise further, including four international airports. Referring to the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, Pathak described it as one of the country’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects.
Pathak also stressed the government’s focus on strengthening electricity supply across the state, contrasting the present situation with earlier years when several regions struggled with prolonged outages. He said Uttar Pradesh has recorded power demand crossing 31,000 megawatts during peak summer periods while maintaining supply continuity.
A significant part of his address focused on law and order and its impact on business confidence. Pathak said the state government had acted firmly against organised crime and mafias, claiming that the improved environment had made it easier for businesses to establish factories and expand operations in Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking directly to CFOs, he pitched Uttar Pradesh as a large-scale consumption market with strong manufacturing potential. “Uttar Pradesh is the biggest market,” he said, while explaining how the state’s population size creates massive opportunities for brands and businesses.
Pathak further highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in electronics manufacturing, stating that nearly 55 per cent of the mobile phones used in India are now manufactured in the state. He also spoke about the government’s investor-friendly initiatives, including subsidies, single-window clearances and industrial policy reforms aimed at accelerating investments.
Emphasising Uttar Pradesh’s importance in India’s broader economic ambitions, Pathak said, “If Uttar Pradesh develops, India develops,” while underlining the state’s contribution to the country’s workforce, manufacturing and consumption economy.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s “One District One Product” ecosystem, citing examples ranging from Lucknow’s chikankari and Varanasi’s Banarasi sarees to Moradabad’s brass industry and Rampur’s traditional crafts. He said every district in Uttar Pradesh possesses unique manufacturing and cultural strengths that can contribute to economic growth and exports.
Concluding his address, Pathak invited businesses and investors to expand their presence in Uttar Pradesh, assuring industry leaders of government support and policy stability.
Ruhail Amin
BW ReportersRuhail Amin, Sr. Editor, BW Businessworld, is a seasoned journalist based in New Delhi. He is known for his incisive analysis and in-depth reporting. His work reflects a commitment to journalistic integrity and storytelling excellence, earning him recognition as a trusted voice in the industry. His contributions span multiple platforms, consistently delivering content that informs and engages a wide audience.
