Budget 2026 Expectations Live Updates: Income tax relief, customs changes, exports push in focus for FM Sitharaman’s ninth Budget

“As India accelerates investment in infrastructure and urban development, the true measure of Budget 2026 will lie not just in the scale of allocation, but also in the reliability of execution and the longevity of assets being created. Infrastructure build for roads, housing, water, and logistics networks ultimately depends on consistent access to quality construction materials, efficient supply chains and a stable policy environment that enables manufacturers to plan capacity with confidence.

As the sector moves into its next phase of growth, equal emphasis must be placed on how this infrastructure is built. Encouraging the adoption of resource-efficient materials, circular manufacturing practices and lower-emission construction solutions will help ensure that growth remains sustainable over the long term. Continued support for technology upgradation, domestic manufacturing, skilling and logistics efficiency will strengthen the industry’s ability to deliver at scale while maintaining quality and cost discipline.

A sustained focus on climate and water concerns, urban infrastructure and regional development will further enhance productivity and resilience across the economy. A balanced Budget that combines infrastructure investment with a clear sustainability direction can help create durable national assets and long-term value for Indias construction and manufacturing ecosystem.

As public investment in infrastructure and urban development continues to expand, Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to strengthen not only asset creation but also the systems that support it. The effectiveness of infrastructure spending is closely linked to the availability of reliable construction materials, robust manufacturing capacity and policy stability that supports long-term planning across the value chain.

As infrastructure development scales up, the focus must increasingly shift towards responsible construction. Policy measures that promote resource efficiency, circular manufacturing and lower-carbon material adoption can help align infrastructure growth with sustainability and climate objectives. Support for technology modernisation, domestic manufacturing, skilling and efficient logistics will be essential to improving productivity while maintaining quality standards.

Continued emphasis on climate and water concerns, urban infrastructure and regional development will contribute to economic resilience and improved quality of life. A policy framework that integrates infrastructure investment with sustainability-led incentives can strengthen India’s construction and manufacturing sectors while ensuring that public spending delivers long-term national value,” says Akshat Seth, Managing Director and CEO at BirlaNu.