New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, expressed his approval of the infrastructure boost in the Union Budget 2026-27, asserting that these measures embody a vision where infrastructure acts as an enabler of resilience, opportunity, and global competitiveness.

He noted that these recent announcements position infrastructure at the forefront of India's ambition for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

During her Union Budget address for 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted significant emphasis on infrastructure development, advocating for ongoing public investment to stimulate economic growth and ensure balanced regional development.

In response, Gadkari remarked on X, stating: "The Union Budget 2026 prioritizes infrastructure as the cornerstone of India's pursuit of a Viksit Bharat 2047. With a strong focus on connectivity, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and regional equity, this budget provides a robust impetus to construct world-class, future-oriented infrastructure."

Regarding transformative connectivity, he pointed out the establishment of 20 new National Waterways, designed to fortify logistics and inter-regional mobility. He mentioned that seven high-speed railway corridors will boost passenger and freight efficiency.

Additionally, Gadkari highlighted dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, which will bolster essential mineral supply chains and support strategic industries.

In terms of infrastructure advancements for manufacturing and strategic sectors, he mentioned plans to enhance domestic manufacturing in key and strategic domains.

The budget proposes initiatives like biopharma SHAKTI to fortify life sciences infrastructure, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 to advance chip manufacturing and ecosystem capacity, and an Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen value chain integration. Furthermore, three dedicated Chemical Parks will promote cluster-based industrial growth, along with a scheme aimed at revitalizing 200 legacy industrial clusters to unlock productivity and job opportunities.

The Union Minister asserted that the budget positions urban infrastructure as a catalyst for growth.

"With an acknowledgment of the growing significance of Tier II and Tier III cities, the government will persist in prioritizing infrastructure development in urban areas with populations exceeding 500,000, many of which are rapidly emerging as new growth hubs, innovation centers, and employment bases," he commented.

"Collectively, these initiatives reflect a distinct vision: perceiving infrastructure not merely as physical assets but as an enabler of resilience, opportunity, and global competitiveness," he concluded.