Uttar Pradesh Economic Survey 2025-26 charts a $1 trillion economy roadmap, highlighting GSDP growth, investment-led strategies, infrastructure expansion, agriculture, and governance reforms.
Uttar Pradesh Tables First‑Ever Economic Survey & Charts $1 Trillion Economy Roadmap
Introduction: A New Economic Chapter for Uttar Pradesh
In a historic development, the Government of Uttar Pradesh presented its first‑ever Economic Survey 2025‑26 in the state legislature, laying down a comprehensive and data‑driven roadmap to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy over the medium term.
The survey, modelled on the Union Government’s annual Economic Survey, analyses the state’s macroeconomic performance, sectoral growth, fiscal health, investment pipeline and key policies aimed at sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Macro‑Economic Growth & Performance Indicators
The Economic Survey highlights strong economic performance over recent years:
- Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) doubled from ₹13.30 lakh crore in 2016‑17 to ₹30.25 lakh crore in 2024‑25.
- The state’s GSDP is projected to reach ₹36 lakh crore in 2025‑26, signaling consistent expansion.
- Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) stood at an impressive 10.8% from 2016‑17 to 2024‑25.
- Per capita income rose significantly to ₹1,09,844 in 2024‑25, with expectations to reach ₹1,20,000 in 2025‑26.
These indicators reflect Uttar Pradesh’s rapid economic expansion, underlining the state’s transformation into one of India’s fastest‑growing major economies.
Infrastructure & Investment Driven Strategy
The Economic Survey places investment and infrastructure expansion at the core of the state’s growth strategy:
Investment Pipeline
Uttar Pradesh has lined up an extensive investment pipeline exceeding ₹50 lakh crore in industrial proposals, attracting both domestic and global investors.
Infrastructure Push
The state is positioning itself as a nationwide infrastructure hub:
- 22 expressways at various stages of development.
- Largest railway network in India with strategic expansions.
- Aiming for 24 operational airports (including five international airports) to enhance connectivity and logistics.
The government follows the “Triple S” Framework (Safety, Stability and Speed) to boost investor confidence and streamline project clearances through digital platforms like Nivesh Mitra.
Agriculture & Allied Sector: Backbone of Growth
Despite industrial progress, agriculture remains vital:
- Uttar Pradesh contributes 20.6% of India’s total foodgrain output and is the leading producer of milk (15.66% of national output).
- Irrigated area expanded to 2.76 crore hectares with a crop intensity of 193.7%.
- Value addition per hectare has climbed significantly, enhancing farmer incomes.
The state has also developed over 65,000 food processing units and numerous agro parks, boosting rural employment and processing infrastructure.
Fiscal Health & Governance Reforms
The Economic Survey outlines robust fiscal outcomes:
- State budget for 2025‑26 expanded to ₹8.33 lakh crore.
- Debt‑to‑GSDP ratio stands at a manageable 28%.
- Own tax revenue increased 2.5 times to over ₹2.09 lakh crore, revealing better revenue mobilisation.
Reforms in law and order, digital governance, judiciary efficiency, and health spending have also contributed to better public services, safety and investor confidence.
Future Outlook & Long‑Term Vision
The survey outlines progressive plans for:
- Managing urbanisation with 100 new townships and the Lucknow State Capital Region.
- Positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in exports and startup ecosystem (ranked 4th in Export Preparedness Index and startup ecosystem rankings).
- Diversification into AI, drone manufacturing, IT & electronics hubs.
The Economic Survey institutionalises annual assessments that will help monitor progress towards the $1 trillion goal.
Why This News Is Important
Macro Impact on Indian Economy & Exam Relevance
The tabling of Uttar Pradesh’s first Economic Survey marks a major policy milestone for India’s most populous state and has significant implications for central and state‑level competitive exams (UPSC, UPPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway & Police). It reflects the state’s economic priorities, strategic planning and governance outcomes — all common themes in current affairs sections.
Economists and policy makers view this survey as a model for other states, showcasing how investment‑led growth, infrastructure development, and sectoral diversification can accelerate economic expansion. Questions in exams often revolve around economic indicators like GSDP, per capita income, fiscal health, public investment pipelines and infrastructure initiatives, making this survey a rich source for answers.
Relevance to Governance & Public Policy
The survey highlights effective implementation of government schemes, digital governance reforms, and inclusive policies in health, agriculture and industry. Such details connect directly to policymaking, governance indices and public administration — crucial areas for civil services aspirants.
Furthermore, the emphasis on export preparedness, startup ecosystem, and global investor engagement reflects India’s larger economic strategy under federal and state cooperation — a recurring theme in UPSC and state exams.
Historical Context: Uttar Pradesh’s Economic Transformation
From Low Base to Fastest Growing Economy
Historically, Uttar Pradesh lagged behind many states in economic performance, with relatively slow industrialisation despite its large population. However, the political landscape transformation in 2017 catalysed systematic reforms in law and order, infrastructure investment and business facilitation.
Over the past decade, GSDP more than doubled, and per capita income grew substantially due to enhanced service sector contributions, agricultural productivity and fiscal capacity. Initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP), industrial corridors, expressway networks and digital clearances helped transform UP’s investment climate.
The tabling of this Economic Survey institutionalises a framework that captures this historical economic progress and sets measurable targets for the state’s next growth phase.
Key Takeaways from Uttar Pradesh Economic Survey
Key Takeaways from Uttar Pradesh Economic Survey – $1 Trillion Roadmap
| Sr. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh presented its first Economic Survey 2025‑26. |
| 2 | GSDP doubled from ₹13.30 lakh crore to ₹30.25 lakh crore (2016‑17 to 2024‑25). |
| 3 | State aims to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030 via investment & infrastructure. |
| 4 | Agriculture contributes significantly with expansion in foodgrain, milk production and irrigated areas. |
| 5 | Fiscal health shows increased revenue, stable debt ratios and huge industrial investment pipeline. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How has Uttar Pradesh’s per capita income changed over the years?
A: It has risen to ₹1,09,844 in 2024-25 and is expected to reach ₹1,20,000 in 2025-26, reflecting higher living standards and economic growth.
Q: What is the significance of Uttar Pradesh tabling its first-ever Economic Survey?
A: It provides a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap for transforming the state into a $1 trillion economy, highlighting macroeconomic growth, investment plans, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance reforms.
Q: What is Uttar Pradesh’s projected GSDP for 2025-26?
A: The GSDP is projected to reach ₹36 lakh crore in 2025-26, reflecting consistent economic expansion.
Q: What role does agriculture play in Uttar Pradesh’s economy according to the survey?
A: Agriculture remains crucial, contributing significantly to India’s foodgrain and milk production, expanding irrigated areas, and enhancing rural income.
Q: How is Uttar Pradesh planning to achieve the $1 trillion economy target?
A: Through an investment-led approach, infrastructure development including expressways, airports, and railways, fiscal health reforms, industrial corridors, startup ecosystem support, and technology adoption.
Q: Why is this survey relevant for government exam aspirants?
A: It highlights key economic indicators, fiscal health, investment policies, infrastructure plans, and governance reforms—topics frequently asked in UPSC, PSCs, Banking, Railways, and Defence exams.
Q: What reforms are highlighted in the Economic Survey to boost investor confidence?
A: Law and order improvement, digital governance, judiciary efficiency, and streamlined project approvals through platforms like Nivesh Mitra.
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