UNION BUDGET 25-26: TRANSFORMATIVE & FUTURISTIC, SAY INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Team L&M

Industry responds to Union Budget 2025-26:

Bruce Keith, Co founder CEO, InvestorAi
While the Budget started with a big bang quite literally, the Finance Minister has announced a string of boosters for the Indian startup sector. The extensions to the loan programs make sense in the context of micro enterprises. However, the crucial fund of funds of Rs 10,000 crore will play a key role in boosting domestic capital in the startup sector. The announcement on deep tech fund, while details are awaited, it should be viewed through the DeepSeek lens of what can be done with relatively small amounts of capital when provided to agile and creative teams. We expect the VC ecosystem to bring velocity and momentum into funding these enterprises.
I was especially delighted to hear about the enhancing the “spirit of curiosity and innovation “ with IIT expansions of capacity and centres of excellence for AI education – talent availability is a necessary part of continuing our growth”.

Sridhar Parthasarathy, Co-Founder & General Partner at Bluehill VC
The government’s announcement of a another Fund of Funds (FoF) worth ₹10,000 crore in the budget is strong commitment to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem and an acknowledgement  of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in channeling these resources effectively.
While equity funding through AIFs is essential,  there is an  urgent need for debt financing for startups. The introduction of a credit guarantee will help startups achieve a balanced mix of equity and debt funding, making their growth more sustainable.
Additionally, the plan for a new Deep Tech Fund of Funds is a crucial step towards advancing deep tech innovation in India. This signals a clear intent from the govt to position India strongly in the global AI race, which is much needed boost for deep tech startups specially in AI and space tech”.

Ankur Mittal, CO-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures
Our ask was a better credit platform and framework for startups and to that extent this is a welcome step. This will allow them to grow and build sustainable businesses and not be dependent on just equity infusion to grow. Their capacity to attract follow-on growth capital will be further strengthened by the additional cash, which will also help them make important investments in operations, personnel, and technology. This action boosts job creation, accelerates startup growth, and creates long-term value in the ecosystem by resolving financial limitations”.

Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder and Director, Leucine Rich Bio
The Union Budget 2025 offers much-needed attention on accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly for people suffering chronic and life-threatening conditions. One revolutionary step in guaranteeing prompt cancer care nationwide is the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centers in every District Hospital. Patients’ financial burden will be greatly lessened by the addition of 36 life-saving medications to the exempted list and better access to medications for severe chronic illnesses and unusual disorders. Long term financing with a corpus of 1lakh crore providing interest free loans will encourage R&D and innovation activities. We hope the implementation on the ground will be seamless. Another positive move toward inclusive healthcare is the PM Jan Arogya Yojana extension of healthcare coverage to online platform employees. These programs demonstrate the government’s dedication to bolstering India’s healthcare system and increasing access to high-quality care.

Anirudh A. Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Venture Fund
This budget is nothing short of transformative—it covers a wide spectrum of critical areas, from tax simplification to deep-tech investments, infrastructure, and energy expansion. The increase in income tax exemption to ₹12.75 lakh is a bold, economy-igniting move that puts more money in the hands of salaried individuals, fueling consumption and economic momentum. The renewal of the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds and the focus on deep-tech funding will provide much-needed capital to early-stage ventures and India’s next wave of innovation. The increased allocation for nuclear and power sectors, alongside massive infrastructure CAPEX, signals that this budget isn’t just about the next year—it is about building a globally competitive India by 2047. This is the first full-fledged budget of the Modi government’s third term, and it has delivered on the needs of the economy, startups, and investors alike. The next big moment to watch will be the income tax bill set to be tabled next week, which could further revolutionize India’s tax system. Overall, this budget sets the foundation for sustained, long-term economic growth, and we at Artha Venture Fund are supremely excited about the future it promises.

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures
Given that deeptech is being seen as an area for growth at the national level, with a China +1 macro and creation of the PLI/DLI schemes of the government, this is a great step. The Government has created this FoF for deeptech to enable funds to invest in deeptech and back highly innovative startups that can put India in a competitive global AI race. Hand in hand, in continuation of the R&D fund of last year, the Government has enhanced the same for enterprises to enable technology innovation. This shows that the Govt realises the future innovation is the heart of economic growth as the global wars are fought around AI and Semiconductors.

Mayuresh Raut, Managing Partner, Seafund
The increase in credit guarantee for startups from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore is a much needed demand that has been finally accepted. This will not only enable startups to have access to debt capital it will also help them scale faster with less equity dilution. Hence, it will lead to a virtuous cycle of higher top line, less equity dilution, better valuation and better fundraise. As the budget commenced, the FM highlighted that they would like to see 70% women participation in economy building, thus, the addition to credit guarantee will ensure a timely boost as more women entrepreneurs is the need for our ecosystem.
With regards to the earlier 3 Centers of Excellence, this along with Krishi Dhan Dhanya program will bring the best of AI practices to the agri-tech startups ecosystem and breed further innovation. Our view is that this requires large patient capital, but aligns us with the renaissance and renewed interest in nuclear energy that is happening all over the world, led by the US. Definitely opens the sector to private investors. Push for data centres consuming huge powers will need nuclear power which will further fuel our AI aspirations.

Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder, Medical Linkers
The Union Budget’s focus on healthcare and tourism is a transformative step for India’s growing medical tourism sector. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, coupled with a ₹20,000 crore allocation for medical tourism, reinforces India’s position as a global hub for affordable and high-quality medical care. By streamlining visa processes and enhancing infrastructure in the top 50 tourist destinations, the government is making it easier for international patients to access world-class treatment while exploring India’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, the establishment of 200 cancer centers across districts will significantly improve specialized care, making critical treatments more accessible. Supporting gig workers with identity cards, healthcare coverage, and registration on the e-Shram portal is another step towards strengthening India’s workforce.
As a medical tourism company, we welcome these initiatives and look forward to playing a key role in promoting India as a premier destination for healthcare. These developments will not only boost medical tourism but also contribute to India’s economic growth by attracting more international patients and healthcare investments.

Dr Chandra Mohan Mehta, Professor and Associate Dean, School of Agriculture, LPU
The Union Budget’s focus on agriculture as a key growth engine is a welcome move. The Developing Agri Districts Programme, along with crop diversification and enhanced irrigation, will uplift 1.7 crore farmers. Prioritizing Garib, Youth, Annadata, and Nari (GYAN) ensures inclusive growth. Strengthening energy security and export promotion will further boost rural economies. This vision aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in agri-innovation and sustainable farming.

Dr Aman Mittal, Vice President, LPU
The Budget 2025 underscores the government’s commitment to skilling and education with initiatives like Centers of Excellence in AI, Atal Tinkering Labs, and expanded infrastructure in IITs. These steps will bridge the skill gap, empower students with future-ready capabilities, and enhance India’s global competitiveness. At LPU, we welcome these reforms and remain committed to equipping students with industry-relevant skills that drive innovation and economic growth.

Manveen Ssharma, Founder, Pinq Polka
As a woman entrepreneur, today’s announcement is incredibly meaningful—not just for me, but for the entire women entrepreneurship community. The ₹10,000 crore ‘Women Entrepreneurship Fund’ is a game-changer for women-led businesses like Pinq Polka, offering not just much-needed capital but also mentorship and guidance, which are often hard to come by.
The ₹100 million credit guarantee for SMEs is another great supportive step, making financing more accessible for women entrepreneurs who have historically faced challenges in securing financial support for business growth.
On a personal level, the extension of the Mahila Samman Savings Scheme is a huge relief. It’s a powerful initiative that enables women to save and plan for a secure future, and I’m thrilled that more women will now have access to it.
The government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses and fostering financial independence is exactly what’s needed to drive true empowerment. I’m excited to see how these initiatives will help women entrepreneurs thrive and scale their businesses.

Meena Kapoor Co- founder and CEO, Astroyogi
The government’s Rs 2-crore term loan scheme for first-time women entrepreneurs is a game-changer, empowering more women to turn their aspirations into thriving businesses. Access to capital has long been a barrier, and this initiative will provide the much-needed financial push to foster innovation, self-reliance, and economic inclusion. As a woman entrepreneur, I see this as a strong step towards building a more diverse and resilient business ecosystem in India.

Rajeev Taneja, CEO Global Care
India’s medical tourism industry has witnessed tremendous growth, and this budget aims to take it further by focusing on two crucial aspects: affordable healthcare solutions and the promotion of medical value travel (MVT) through private sector partnerships and capability building.The government’s initiatives to enhance MVT outreach are expected to make India a top destination for international patients, driven by the convergence of advanced medical facilities and cutting-edge technology. These efforts will not only increase accessibility but also foster groundbreaking innovations in patient care, setting new global standards. Private-public partnerships will play a pivotal role in capacity building, leveraging expertise and investment to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
In addition to this, the government’s focus on creating advanced medical facilities, such as the establishment of 200 cancer centers, will make specialized care more accessible. This, coupled with the exemption of 36 life-saving drugs from customs duties, will make critical treatments more affordable for both domestic and international patients.
At GlobalCare, we see these initiatives as key drivers in shaping the future of medical tourism in India, fostering a seamless and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem that offers affordability, quality, and global competitiveness

Aditya Kandoi, CEO and Founder of Redcliffe Labs
Healthcare is not just about treatment; it’s about empowerment through awareness and access. The government’s push for AI-driven education, with five national Centres of Excellence for AI in Education, marks a pivotal shift in shaping a future-ready workforce. AI has already begun transforming diagnostics, precision medicine, and predictive analytics, and with deeper integration into higher education, we are looking at a healthcare revolution where early disease detection, personalized treatments, and efficient patient management become the new norm.
Today, India’s doctor-to-population ratio stands at 1:811, already surpassing WHO’s guideline of 1:1000. The addition of 10,000 medical seats next year and 75,000 over the next five years is not just a number—it’s a step towards ensuring that no one is left unattended due to a shortage of medical professionals. Meanwhile, initiatives like daycare cancer centers in district hospitals and customs duty exemptions on 36 life-saving drugs reflect a commitment to making quality care accessible.
However, in the coming years, we expect government investment plans to focus more on primary healthcare and improved diagnostics to curb the burden of rising Non Communicable Diseases. India should set an example for a future where healthcare is not just reactive but preventive, predictive and personalized. We align with the vision of a Behtar Bharat by Giving India its Right to Quality Diagnostics- where healthcare is not a privilege but a promise fulfilled.

Dhaval Radia, Chief Financial Officer (India), ZEISS Group
It is encouraging to see the government take steps toward rationalizing income taxes, which will boost disposable income and drive consumption. The streamlining of TDS and TCS processes is another welcome move, reducing compliance burdens and improving ease of doing business. The continued focus on ‘Make in India,’ along with strong incentives for MSMEs, battery manufacturing, and electronics, will further accelerate India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. Additionally, the emphasis on fostering Global Capability Centers (GCCs) reinforces India’s role as a strategic hub for high-value innovation, R&D, and digital transformation. However, while these are positive steps, the budget leaves room for more robust healthcare reforms. Given the evolving healthcare needs of the country, greater investments and policy interventions are expected to ensure accessibility and innovation in medical technology.”

Amarjeet Singh Tak, Head of Research Microscopy Solutions, India and Neighboring Markets, ZEISS Group
We commend the Union Budget 2025-26 for its strong focus on advancing education, research, and skill development. The establishment of National Centres of Excellence, expansion of medical college seats, and infrastructure upgrades at IITs are commendable steps that will significantly enhance academic and research capabilities. The emphasis on Artificial Intelligence through dedicated Centres of Excellence and global skilling partnerships will empower the youth with future-ready skills, positioning India as a global leader in innovation. These initiatives will not only drive scientific and technological advancements but also create a robust ecosystem for young talent to thrive. This forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a knowledge powerhouse on the global stage.”

Karan Khurana, Founder & CEO, Wishnew Wellness
The Budget 2025 reaffirms the government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector, the backbone of India’s economic growth. The enhanced classification limits and focus on financial accessibility, including customised credit cards for micro enterprises, will empower healthcare MSMEs to scale operations, invest in innovation, and expand their reach. As MSMEs contribute 45% of exports, these measures will help Indian healthcare solutions gain a stronger global foothold. Furthermore, the establishment of a fund of funds for startups, with a government contribution of ₹100 billion, underscores a robust commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and technological advancement. These measures not only empower us to expand our services but also reinforce our dedication to improving healthcare outcomes across the nation. We are optimistic that these strategic investments will catalyze significant growth and enable us to contribute even more substantially to India’s economic and social well-being. Furthermore, the classification limit of MSMEs proposed to be enhanced to boost growth will go a long way in boosting this sector.

Summit Salunke, Vice Chairman, at Sumeet Group Enterprises
We are encouraged by the Union Budget’s strong focus on healthcare, particularly the initiative to establish day-care cancer centres in all district hospitals. We also applaud the commitment to medical tourism, which can position India as a global healthcare destination. The budget’s emphasis on strengthening manufacturing, especially support for MSMEs through increased investment and turnover limits, is vital. The focus on skilling, particularly in AI, is crucial for empowering youth and driving the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision. Continued focus on innovation and infrastructure development through public-private partnerships is essential for a sustainable future. This budget lays a solid foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ with zero poverty, quality education, and comprehensive healthcare. The government’s decade-long commitment to ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and a modern, flexible regulatory framework are also crucial for continued progress.

Gregory Goba Ble, Head of UPS India and Director of MOVIN Express
As we reflect on the Union Budget 2025, I am encouraged by the government’s robust commitment to empowering our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital to India’s economic growth and global manufacturing ambitions. The remarkable transformation of India Post into a major public logistics organisation stands as a testament to this commitment. This shift, coupled with robust contributions from the private sector, will effectively address the diverse business needs of Vishwakarmas, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and self-help groups across the nation.
The budget’s enhancements in credit guarantees and increased investment limits for MSMEs represent a lifeline for small and medium enterprises striving to scale up and create jobs. With over 5.7 crore MSMEs at the heart of our economy, these initiatives will unleash their potential, driving innovation and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The government has consistently focused on supporting MSMEs, and this budget has not disappointed.
Furthermore, the emphasis on technological upgrades and the introduction of customized credit cards for micro-enterprises are game-changing strategies that will elevate efficiency and competitiveness. By empowering these businesses with the necessary tools and resources, we can anticipate a wave of entrepreneurial spirit that will invigorate our economy.
The budget’s focus on reducing logistics costs, enhancing skill development, and promoting green logistics through advanced electric vehicle infrastructure is not merely a response to current challenges but a bold step towards sustainability and innovation. These measures will not only fortify India’s logistics capabilities but also position our nation as a strategic hub for global trade, enabling us to compete fiercely on the international stage.
In essence, the Union Budget 2025 lays a formidable foundation for a resilient and dynamic logistics and MSME ecosystem, championing growth, inclusivity, and sustainability. The collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors will be instrumental in realising these ambitious goals, ensuring a prosperous future for all.

Shashank Avadhani, Co-founder, and CEO at Alyve Health
Alyve Health welcomes the Union Budget 2025, which marks a major step towards building a healthier India. The government’s focus on promoting medical tourism and the Heal in India initiative, along with streamlined visa norms, presents a significant growth opportunity for our healthcare sector and aligns with our vision of making India a global health and wellness hub.
We are encouraged by the increase in FDI in the insurance sector to 100%, which will foster competition and expand access to essential health services, ensuring that individuals receive necessary care without financial strain.
The emphasis on a program for vegetables and fruits reflects growing awareness of nutritional needs, supporting Alyve Health’s core philosophy of promoting healthier lifestyles.
The exemption of 36 lifesaving drugs from customs duty is a critical move for those battling cancer and rare diseases, improving access to essential medicines. Additionally, the inclusion of 1 crore gig workers in the PM Jan Arogya Yojana ensures that a crucial segment of the workforce receives vital healthcare.
The increased funding for the National Health Mission and mental health initiatives will address healthcare disparities, particularly for the ‘missing middle class. These measures pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system. Alyve Health is eager to collaborate with stakeholders to leverage these advancements and drive better health outcomes for all.

Karthik Kondepudi, Partner – Herbochem
The Union Budget 2025 shows a forward-thinking plan for India’s healthcare and nutraceutical industries. The government wants to grow medical education by adding 10,000 more UG and PG seats and helping set up Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals. This is a big step to make the healthcare system stronger. Also, better nutrition support under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 plan will help fight malnutrition and boost preventive healthcare.
For nutraceuticals, the focus on boosting local production, research, and new ideas is good news. This comes at a time when more people want functional foods and dietary supplements. The planned policy support for clean-tech manufacturing and value addition will also open doors for local nutraceutical and health-tech companies.
Overall, this budget sets the stage for a stronger and more independent healthcare system, aligning with India’s ambition of becoming a global leader in preventive and integrative healthcare.

Piyush Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Impact Guru and CarePal Group.
The Union Budget 2025’s transformative healthcare initiatives mark a highly notable moment in democratizing access to quality medical care across India. The establishment of 200 cancer daycare centers in district hospitals, coupled with healthcare coverage for 1 crore gig workers under PM Jan Arogya Yojana, directly addresses critical gaps in affordability and accessibility – a mission core to Impact Guru’s work in medical crowdfunding.
By exempting customs duties on 36 lifesaving drugs and allocating ₹98,311 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the government has taken bold steps to reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses that push millions into poverty annually. The 75,000 new medical seats over five years and focus on AI-driven telemedicine through rural broadband connectivity will accelerate innovation while bridging urban-rural healthcare disparities.
Impact Guru commends the government’s holistic approach to healthcare equity and stand ready to collaborate in building a future where no Indian faces financial barriers to life-saving treatments.

Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO, CARE Hospitals on the Healthcare Focus.
The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a transformative step forward for India’s healthcare sector. The establishment of daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals, with 200 centres operational this year, will significantly enhance cancer care accessibility. This aligns with the mission to provide equitable healthcare solutions to all sections of society. Additionally, the expansion of medical education by adding 10,000 seats this year and 75,000 seats over the next five years addresses the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, strengthening infrastructure and meeting growing healthcare needs.
The introduction of health insurance for 1 crore gig workers and concessions on critical medicines underscores the government’s focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups and reducing financial burdens on patients. Notably, the exemption of 36 life-saving drugs for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic severe ailments from basic customs duties, along with concessional duties on 6 additional life-saving medicines and bulk drugs, will make treatment more affordable and accessible. Furthermore, the expansion of patient assistance programs, exempt from basic customs duties, will provide much-needed support to those battling severe illnesses.
Key initiatives include broadband connectivity to all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in rural areas, enabling telemedicine and remote healthcare delivery. The promotion of Medical Tourism and Heal in India, in partnership with the private sector, aims to position India as a global healthcare hub. The extension of the potable tap water mission to 2028, with 100% coverage and an increased budget, ensures access to clean drinking water, a vital determinant of public health. Nutritional support through Saksham Anganwadi aims to combat malnutrition among women and children, fostering a healthier future generation.
Furthermore, raising the FDI limit in the insurance sector from 75% to 100% for companies investing premiums in India will boost investment and innovation, driving growth in the sector. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to building a healthier, more resilient India, with a positive impact on the nation’s healthcare landscape.

Anant Bengani, Co – Founder & Director – Zell Education
The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a transformative vision for financial education and technology integration. The establishment of AI Centre of Excellence with ₹500 crore outlay and the proposed Deeptech Fund of Funds will significantly enhance the quality of financial technology education.  The allocation for research fellowships and skilling centers will create a robust ecosystem for developing future-ready financial professionals. These initiatives align perfectly with our mission of delivering cutting-edge financial education.

Sanket S, Co – founder of Scandalous foods
We appreciate the government’s progressive budget, which prioritizes ease of doing business, economic growth, and social security. The simplification of tax structures and the increased income tax slab to ₹12 lakh reflect a modern approach to redefining the middle class, boosting disposable income and economic participation.
The introduction of health provisions for gig economy workers is a crucial step in ensuring long-term stability for India’s evolving workforce. Additionally, the focus on tourism is a strategic move, catering to the rising demand for domestic travel and driving consumer spending across multiple sectors.
A particularly forward-looking measure is the push to make India self-reliant in pulses. As the world’s largest consumer, yet dependent on imports, this initiative will strengthen food security, reduce dependency, and support farmers.
Further, agriculture-focused initiatives and support for medical tourism will boost rural and healthcare sectors. This well-structured budget lays a strong foundation for long-term growth and self-sufficiency.

Hari Chereddi, CEO, HRV Global Life Sciences
I wholeheartedly welcome the government’s decision today to exempt Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on 36 life-saving drugs and extend concessional duty benefits to additional critical medicines.
This progressive move will significantly improve access to essential treatments for patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and other chronic conditions..
At HRV Global Life Sciences, we have advocated innovation in the niche and orphan drug segments with the aim of making life-saving medicines accessible & affordable. This is This policy of ours towards improving global health access, shows that committed pharma innovation will help improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Aditya Sharma CEO CUT&STYLE Salon
Budget 2025 marks a step forward for the beauty and wellness sector, balancing growth opportunities with areas that need further attention.  The low taxation reforms introduced will help boost growth by encouraging greater participation from the Indian audience, making services more accessible.
The enhanced MSME credit guarantee and focus on skill development, especially in AI-driven solutions, are encouraging moves that align with our industry’s evolving needs. Additionally, the emphasis on tourism and healthcare accessibility can create new avenues for growth, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
However, there’s still room to refine the tax structure for beauty and wellness services, making them more affordable and competitive. We also see immense potential in dedicated programs for women-led businesses and expanded employment schemes to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in our sector.
As champions of beauty and wellness, we remain optimistic about the government’s commitment to economic progress. We look forward to collaborating on policies that empower businesses, nurture talent, and elevate India’s standing in the global wellness landscape.

Dr Mahesh M CEO Creaticity
“The Budget’s strong emphasis on skill development is a promising step toward strengthening the entire value chain of our industry. From furniture production to final retail, this focus has the potential to enhance craftsmanship, improve efficiency, and drive overall growth. We are optimistic that these measures will create new opportunities, uplift the workforce, and contribute to the sector’s long-term success.

Shivendra Nigam, CFO, Cantabil.
The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a strong push for consumption growth through significant tax reforms. The increase in tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh under the new regime, coupled with rationalized TDS rates and thresholds, will put more disposable income in consumers’ hands.
We anticipate tha these measures will stimulate consumer spending and boost retail sector growth. The focus on tourism development across 50 destinations and increased employment opportunities through various initiatives will further create positive momentum for retail consumption. These reforms align perfectly with our expansion plans.

Ashwin Rathi, CFO, SMOOR Chocolates
The budget comes as a shot in the arm for urban consumption largely due to the major tax changes announced. With urban consumption being given a much-needed stimulus in the midst of an apparent slowdown in the economy, we expect the industry to start showing signs of revival in the next 3-6 months.

Jayant Kumar, Managing Director, Hilti India
The Union Budget 2025 serves as a catalyst for a self-reliant Indian economy. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development through expanded airport connectivity, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and transformation in the power and energy sector, it will drive industry growth, strengthen key sectors, and accelerate economic progress.
As a global leader in construction solutions, Hilti India remains committed to ‘Making Construction Better’ by equipping our customers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability. With this renewed push for development, we are excited to contribute to building a future-ready, efficient, and sustainable construction ecosystem for India’s long-term growth.

Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip
The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a transformative vision for India’s travel and tourism sector, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic growth and employment. The expansion of the UDAN scheme, connecting 120 new destinations and enabling 4 crore additional passengers over the next decade, will significantly enhance regional connectivity, making travel more accessible and affordable for millions. The facilitation of greenfield airports in Bihar further underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure across the country.
Moreover, the proposed development of 50 top tourist destinations, coupled with performance-linked incentives for states, streamlined e-visa facilities, and visa-fee waivers, will position India as a more attractive global travel destination by easing out travel infrastructure. Initiatives like skill development programs, MUDRA loans for homestays, and enhanced connectivity will empower local communities, create employment opportunities, and enable businesses to thrive more efficiently. The emphasis on spiritual tourism, particularly in destinations linked to Lord Buddha, and the strategic push for medical tourism through the ‘Heal in India’ initiative will further diversify India’s tourism offerings, attracting travelers from across the world. With a focus on seamless travel, enhanced infrastructure, and an enabling policy framework, this budget lays a strong foundation for a new era of tourism-led economic growth, ensuring India remains a top destination for both domestic and international travellers.