Union Budget 2026 is clear and forward-looking roadmap for Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Niranjan Hiranandani

The Union Budget 2026 is a clear and forwardlooking roadmap for building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat Dr Niranjan Hiranandani Chairman of NAREDCO and the Hiranandani Group said on SundayHe said the budget places strong emphasis on infrastructure development regional growth and the empowerment of micro small and medium enterprises MSMEs which will drive Indiarsquos next phase of economic expansionDr Hiranandani highlighted the governmentrsquos proposal to increase public capital expenditure to Rs 122 lakh crore describing it as a decisive step that will create strong multiplier effects across key sectors such as real estate construction logistics and allied industries He noted that the focus on better execution and policy certainty will improve investor confidence and support longterm sustainable developmentShift towards regional economic growthOne of the most important features of the Budget according to Dr Hiranandani is the move away from a metrocentric growth model The introduction of City Economic Regions CERs aims to integrate Tier2 and Tier3 cities temple towns and surrounding rural areas into unified economic zonesEach CER will receive Rs 5000 crore through a challengebased funding model Dr Hiranandani said this approach will improve connectivity competitiveness and liveability and create balanced regional growth across the countryInfra investments to create new growth corridorsThe budgetrsquos focus on logistics warehousing and data centre infrastructure will help India strengthen its position as a global supply chain and digital hub Investments in multimodal logistics parks and cold chains are expected to reduce costs and wastage directly benefiting manufacturers and exportersDr Hiranandani said simplified customs processes and safeharbour norms will further improve ease of doing business The extension of tax holidays for data centres till 2047 along with incentives for green and sustainable infrastructure will attract foreign investment and support Indiarsquos fastgrowing digital economyBoost to Real Estate Tourism and Urban EconomiesThe Budget also recognises hospitality and tourism as major growth drivers Improved connectivity and rising domestic travel are likely to increase demand for hotels mixeduse developments and destinationbased real estate creating jobs and boosting local economiesCommercial real estate is expected to benefit from expanding urban centres better mobility and increased demand from MSMEs service industries and global capability centresIn addition public sector enterprises will be allowed to unlock the value of governmentowned land and buildings through Real Estate Investment Trusts REITs This move will help recycle capital and fund new infrastructure projectsLogistics warehousing and data centres get supportA dedicated investment of Rs 75000 crore for logistics and warehousing will support the development of modern warehouses cold storage facilities and multimodal transport hubs Safeharbour norms for bonded warehouses will lower compliance costs and improve efficiency for exportersThe extended tax benefits and incentives for foreign data centre and cloud service providers will position India as a leading global data hub driving innovation and longterm investmentInfra risk guarantee fund to reduce project risksTo address execution and financing risks in infrastructure projects the Budget proposes the creation of an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund This fund will provide partial guarantees to lenders reduce borrowing costs and encourage private sector participation in large infrastructure projectsContinued focus on affordable housingThe government has reaffirmed its commitment to affordable housing by continuing the PM Awas Yojana with an allocation of Rs 79000 croreHiranandani said this sustained support will improve housing access while boosting construction and allied sectors making housing a key pillar of inclusive urban growthA futureready vision for IndiaDr Hiranandani said the Union Budget 2026 presents a pragmatic and futureready framework for building competitive cities and strong economic regions With its focus on regional integration infrastructure investment affordable housing and policy stability the budget is expected to unlock new growth opportunities beyond major cities and strengthen Indiarsquos global economic position