Patna: The Union Budget 2026–27 has been described as a turning point for Bihar, with the state expected to play a central role in the government’s ‘Purvodaya’ vision for eastern India, said union Minister of state for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey.
The Union Minister further claimed that the budget’s record tax devolution and infrastructure push could transform the state’s economic trajectory and strengthen its integration with national markets. “A key announcement is the proposed Varanasi–Siliguri high-speed rail corridor, one of seven such corridors outlined in the budget. The corridor, which will connect Uttar Pradesh with West Bengal while passing through major parts of Bihar, is being framed as a potential economic lifeline for the region,” Dubey said.
The Union Minister claimed that Bihar is set to receive Rs 1,51,831 crore as its share of central taxes in the 2026–27 financial year, the second-largest allocation among Indian states.
“The budget also highlights Patna’s role in inland water transport, with a ship repair facility planned for the city. Alongside Varanasi, Patna’s selection as a key node in the inland waterways network is expected to generate technical jobs and create new opportunities for local businesses linked to river transport and logistics,” Dubey said.
The Union Minister further claimed that women-focused initiatives form another pillar of the budget proposals. “The announcement of “She-Marts” aims to connect self-help groups and rural women entrepreneurs directly to markets, while a plan to establish a girls’ hostel in every district for students in science and technology fields seeks to improve access and safety for female students,” Dubey said.
In the education and research sector, the government has proposed upgrading National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), with Hajipur’s institute expected to benefit directly. The Union Minister claimed this could help position the centre as a hub for pharmaceutical research and innovation.
