2 min readLucknowUpdated: Dec 24, 2025 10:08 AM IST
The memorial features 65-feet-tall bronze statues of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vishal Srivastav
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday reviewed the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit for the inauguration of the newly constructed Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on December 25.
According to a press statement, after chairing a high-level review meeting, the CM said the landmark memorial would emerge as a powerful symbol of national consciousness, cultural heritage and pride. He said the statues of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and RSS icons Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya would inspire future generations to imbibe the ideals of national unity, humanism, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Adityanath directed the officials to ensure that all arrangements related to security, traffic management, hospitality, and crowd control meet the highest standards.
He instructed that all final touch-ups, including landscaping, gardens, museum, amphitheatre, and beautification of roads be completed within the stipulated timeline.
Reviewing preparations for the arrival of nearly two lakh people from across the state, the chief minister assessed transport plans, parking layouts, bus routes, control rooms and medical units, and directed deployment of nodal officers for every bus cluster, parking zone and entry gate.
Adityanath also asked the police and district administration to put in place multi-layered security along VVIP routes, the helipad, the main venue and public congregation areas.
He stressed clear signage for traffic diversions, parking facilities and pedestrian movement to ensure smooth public access, while underlining seamless coordination and time-bound execution across media management, reception arrangements, cultural programmes and all protocol-related components. He also directed that normal traffic flow in the city be maintained during the event, keeping winter conditions in mind.
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Developed over 65 acres at an estimated cost of ₹230 crore in Lucknow
65-feet-tall bronze statues of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee
A modern museum showcasing the lives, ideas, and contributions of national leaders
A rally ground and main stage with a capacity of nearly two lakh people
Amphitheatre, Meditation Centre, Vipassana–Yoga Centre, cafeteria, and civic amenities
Planned layout with landscaping, clear zoning, huge parking space, and security arrangements
Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution.
Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape.
Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More