The arid region of Bundelkhand, which was hiterto reckoned for large scale outward migration of youth in search of jobs, is now firmly on the path of development.
Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the region is transforming into a symbol of greenery, thanks to numerous irrigation projects and the Khet Talab Yojana, which has facilitated construction of farm ponds for water conservation.
Beyond agriculture, Bundelkhand is making rapid strides in industrial progress, setting new benchmarks for economic growth.
With a strong focus on infrastructure and sustainable development, it is poised to emerge as a hub of prosperity in the coming years.
In UP, Bundelkhand spans seven districts namely Chitrakoot, Banda, Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba and Lalitpur, covering around 69,000 sq km, constituting 10 percent of UP total land mass.
The region has great potential for growing pulses and oilseeds, which is why the UP government has launched the Dalhan Gram Yojana to promote their cultivation.
Additionally, the government is focusing on natural farming across Bundelkhand.
Faced with frequent droughts, Bundelkhand currently contributes only 5.5 percent to the state’s agricultural output.
To bridge this gap, the state is expanding irrigation facilities to improve water availability for farming.
Under the UP Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) project, supported by the World Bank, all districts of Bundelkhand will benefit from a Rs 4,000 crore investment over six years.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Varanasi, a wing of the Manila-based IRRI, Philippines, is also partnering in this initiative.
The project aims to promote cluster farming, strengthen digital and financial infrastructure, and provide intensive training to farmers.
Alongside agriculture, Bundelkhand is emerging as a major industrial hub.
Flagship industrial projects like the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, Pharma Park to be built in Lalitpur, and the proposed India’s largest Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) between Kanpur and Jhansi are set to boost economic growth.
The industrial corridors along the operational Bundelkhand Expressway will play a key role in the region’s transformation, making it a significant contributor to India’s industrial landscape.
Connectivity is a catalyst for development, and the Bundelkhand Expressway embodies this vision.
The Yogi government is already integrating all expressways across UP, ensuring seamless connectivity for Bundelkhand with the state and beyond.
This enhanced infrastructure will accelerate goods transportation, driving trade and economic growth in the landlocked region.
The expansion of air connectivity will further enhance Bundelkhand’s development.
While the Chitrakoot Airport is already operational, new airports in Lalitpur and Jhansi are under construction.
Once completed, Bundelkhand will have three airports, significantly boosting its tourism industry, especially heritage tourism.
Bundelkhand is home to rich historical and spiritual heritage sites, including Kalinjar Fort, the magnificent Chandela-era reservoirs, and Chitrakoot, where Lord Ram spent a significant part of his exile with Sita and Lakshman.
The site is also famous for the iconic reunion of Lord Ram and his brother Bharat.
The growing influx of tourists during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 is a proof of Chitrakoot’s rising popularity.
Recognising this, the Yogi government is enhancing the Ram Van Gaman Path from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot, making it more accessible for pilgrims.
The newly built ropeway in Chitrakoot is further adding to its appeal, offering visitors a unique and enriching travel experience.