Stories
Political Storm Over JPNIC: Understanding the 865 Crore Controversy in Lucknow
- •Political tensions have flared up in Uttar Pradesh over the Jayaprakash Narayan International Center located in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
- •The project's cost escalated significantly from an initial 265.59 crore rupees to approximately 865 crore rupees.
- •Ruling BJP leaders including OP Rajbhar and Brajesh Pathak have questioned Akhilesh Yadav regarding the incomplete status and high expenditure.
- •The Yogi government has decided to lease out the center for 30 years to complete the remaining work and operationalize the facility.
- •Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of selling public assets under financial pressure and disrespecting freedom fighters.
Key Questions Answered
The Jayaprakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, was initiated during Akhilesh Yadav's tenure to provide a multi-facility center for sports, culture, meetings, and major events. The project was designed to include a museum, large convention halls, a hotel, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym, and parking facilities.
The initial approved cost of the JPNIC project was approximately 265.59 crore rupees, but it escalated to roughly 864.99 crore rupees by November 2016, with Lucknow Development Authority documents noting an expenditure of about 813.13 crore rupees. Despite this heavy spending, the project could not be fully operationalized after the change in the state government in 2017.
In August 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved leasing out the JPNIC complex to private companies—specifically M/s Vrindavan Bottlers Private Limited and Rockwood Hotels and Resorts Private Limited—for 30 years to help complete remaining work and run the facility. While the ownership remains with the Lucknow Development Authority, the lease includes an option for a 25-year extension and allows government institutions to use facilities free of payment for 50 days annually.
