Patna: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a wide-ranging set of proposals in Budget 2026, signalling a renewed push to transform India’s infrastructure, manufacturing and technology landscape while lowering costs for businesses and creating jobs.
A key plank of the budget is the announcement of 20 new national waterways to be developed over the next five years, aimed at reducing logistics costs and speeding up freight movement. The government said the expansion of inland water transport would provide a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to road and rail, easing pressure on existing networks.
Alongside this, a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme will be rolled out to encourage the movement of goods via sea routes. The scheme is expected to benefit several major cities, including Patna, with plans to strengthen inland waterways by developing hubs such as Varanasi and Patna and providing training for their use. The budget also introduced a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, intended to support faster and more affordable regional air connectivity and stimulate local economic activity.
💼 Budget 2026 focus: Infrastructure, manufacturing & technology push
- 🚢 20 new national waterways to be launched in 5 years
• 🌊 Patna to be connected through the national waterways network
• ⚓ Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme announced to cut logistics costs
• ✈️ Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme introduced
• 💰 Rs 2,000 crore top-up for Atmanirbhar Bharat Fund
• 🏭 New SME Development Fund worth Rs 10,000 crore announced
• 🧵 Three chemical parks and one mega textile park to boost manufacturing
• 💊 1,000 clinical trials approved to make India a global pharma hub
• 💻 Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to strengthen India’s tech self-reliance
Presenting the budget, Sitharaman emphasised job creation, investment in new technology-driven industries and measures to make Indian products more competitive internationally. Economists and industry watchers said the proposals, if implemented effectively, could play a crucial role in driving growth, supporting startups and advancing India’s long-term goal of economic and technological self-reliance.
