Infrastructure sector budget 2026: Centre proposed development of seven high- speed rail corridors between cities, including Varanasi-Silliguri and Pune-Hyderabad, to serve as growth corridors. On Sunday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. She also announced a new freight corridor that connects Dankuni (east) directly through Surat (west).
Sitharaman emphasised that 22 new National Waterways be operational for over next five years with the purpose of increasing multi-model transport transport and for reducing logistics costs. FM Sitharaman stated these initiatives will improve freight transport and support the environmentally sustainable cargo transportation.
7 High-Speed Rail Corridors to Connect Cities
She also revealed plans for new east-west freight corridor linking with Dankuni in the east with Surat in the west. Additionally, government intends to operationalise 22 new new national waterways for over next five years in order to encourage multi-model transport and reduce the logistic costs.
Finance Minister added that government will continue in developing the infrastructure in cities having populations above 5 lakh, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities ensuring future growth hubs.
She also emphasised to encourage manufacturing of seaplanes within India to promote tourism.
Nirmala Sitharaman Budget: Additional High-Speed Rail Routes
In addition, a high-level panel on Banking for developed India will be established to advance various initiatives focused on boosting the economy.
Sitharaman indicates that there are a few additional high-speed rail routes which will interlink Mumbai-Pune, Hyderabad-Pune, Hyderabad-Bangalore, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bangalore, Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri.
Infrastructure sector budget 2026: Ongoing Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Project
Currently, work is in progress on high-speed route from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, with total length 508 kilometres, consisting of an operating speed for trains of 320 km/h and an expected travel time between these two cities of approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes through states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Infrastructure Growth India: Public Capital Expenditure
Additionally, she called for capital spending of approximately Rs 12.2 trillion in public funds for the fiscal year 2026-27.
FM Minister gave an overview of the Union Budget by citing that it will be based on “Three Kartavyas,” or three sets of responsibility by Government:-
1. To enhance and maintain the economic-growth of the country through increased competitiveness.
2. Fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the citizens.
3. To Guarantee accessibility to resources and opportunities for every family, group of people or region.
Also Read- Union Budget 2026-27: Major Income Tax Changes, ITR filing deadline extended
