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Gadkari Hails Budget's Infrastructure Push as Key to Viksit Bharat 2047

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has welcomed the strong infrastructure focus in the Union Budget 2026-27, stating it places infrastructure at the heart of India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes sustained public investment for growth and regional balance. Key announcements include 20 new National Waterways, seven high-speed rail corridors, and dedicated corridors for rare earth minerals. Further initiatives target scaling up domestic manufacturing in semiconductors, electronics, chemicals, and reviving legacy industrial clusters.

Key Points: Budget 2026 Infrastructure Push: Gadkari's Reaction

  • Thrust on connectivity with new waterways & rail corridors
  • Focus on strategic sectors like semiconductors & biopharma
  • Development push for Tier II & III cities
  • Initiatives aimed at manufacturing depth and regional balance
2 min read

Union Budget 2026-27: Nitin Gadkari welcomes infrastructure push, calls it 'enabler of resilience and global competitiveness'

Nitin Gadkari welcomes the infrastructure focus in Union Budget 2026-27, calling it an enabler of resilience and global competitiveness for Viksit Bharat.

"infrastructure not just as physical assets, but as an enabler of resilience, opportunity, and global competitiveness - Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, Feb 1

Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday welcomed the infrastructure push in the Union Budget 2026-27, saying these initiatives reflect a vision that infrastructure is "an enabler of resilience, opportunity, and global competitiveness".

He said that these new announcements place infrastructure at the centre of India's journey towards the resolution of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a powerful thrust on infrastructure development in her Union Budget speech for 2026-27, emphasising sustained public investment to drive economic growth and balanced regional progress.

In his response, Gadkari, in a post on X, said: "Union Budget 2026 places infrastructure at the heart of India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. With a clear focus on connectivity, manufacturing depth, and regional balance, the budget outlines a decisive push to build world-class, future-ready infrastructure."

In the transformational connectivity sector, he mentioned the 20 new National Waterways, which will "strengthen logistics and inter-regional mobility". He said that seven high-speed railway corridors will "enhance passenger and freight efficiency".

Gadkari further stated that dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu will support critical mineral supply chains and strategic industries.

In the field of infrastructure for manufacturing and strategic sectors, he said that initiatives have been introduced to "scale up domestic manufacturing in frontier and strategic areas".

In order to do this, he said, the budget proposes biopharma SHAKTI to strengthen life sciences infrastructure; India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 to deepen chip manufacturing and ecosystem capacity; Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to reinforce value-chain integration; three dedicated Chemical Parks for cluster-based industrial growth, and a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters, unlocking productivity and employment.

The Union Minister said that the budget presents urban infrastructure as a growth engine.

"Recognising the expanding role of Tier II and Tier III cities, the government will continue prioritising infrastructure development in cities with populations above 5 lakh -- many of which are fast emerging as new growth centres, innovation hubs, and employment anchors," he said.

"Together, these initiatives reflect a clear vision: infrastructure not just as physical assets, but as an enabler of resilience, opportunity, and global competitiveness," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The emphasis on semiconductor and electronics manufacturing is very welcome. ISM 2.0 and the components scheme are exactly what we need to reduce import dependence. This is how we build true 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Good step!
R
Rohit P
All these corridors and high-speed rails sound impressive on paper. But what about the existing roads full of potholes? First, fix the basic infrastructure before announcing futuristic projects. The common man's daily commute is still a struggle.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently for work between Chennai and Kochi, the mention of a Rare Earth Corridor in the South is interesting. Could boost the local economy significantly if implemented well. The focus on regional balance is a positive sign.
V
Vikram M
Reviving 200 legacy industrial clusters is a smart move. Many old manufacturing towns have been left behind. This can generate massive employment if done right. Hope the scheme has clear timelines and accountability.
K
Karthik V
The budget seems comprehensive. From biopharma SHAKTI to chemical parks, it touches multiple sectors. My only request: please ensure environmental clearances are not bypassed in the rush to build. Sustainable development is key for Viksit Bharat.

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