Budget 2026: Govt sets sights on infra boost with ₹12.2 lakh crore capex push
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27 in her budget on Sunday. The government aims to boost growth and employment by focusing on major infrastructure projects.
Presenting the budget, the Finance Minister said that an Infrastructure Risk Development Fund will be set up to accelerate the development of big projects.
He said that to accelerate economic growth, the Budget proposes to give a strong boost to infrastructure including highways, ports, railways and power projects, promote manufacturing in seven strategic sectors and rapidly create small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He said the government has maintained fiscal prudence and monetary stability while placing a strong emphasis on public investment, and further said India should engage deeper with global markets, export more and also attract foreign investment.
Additionally, in his speech, the Finance Minister described the three 'duties' as the basis of the budget, which will not only boost the economy but will also empower the poor, deprived and backward people.
Sitharaman said that to fulfil the government's 'Sankalp' and given that this is the first budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan, we are driven by three duties.
Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, he said, "Our first duty is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics. Our second duty is to fulfill the aspirations of our people and build their capacity, making them strong partners in India's path to prosperity."
He further said that our third duty, which is aligned with our vision of 'Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas', is to ensure that every family, community, region and sector has access to resources."
He further said that the 'Reform Express' is moving fast on its path and will maintain its momentum to help us in fulfilling our duties.