Union Budget 2026-27 to boost Uttar Pradesh's growth with high-speed rail, infrastructure, tourism and AI agriculture

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on boosting Uttar Pradesh's economic, industrial and social development. The budget emphasizes modern connectivity, large-scale infrastructure investment, tourism promotion and employment opportunities for farmers, women, youth, artisans and small entrepreneurs.

Two of the seven high-speed rail corridors announced in the budget will directly connect Uttar Pradesh: Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri. These modern rail lines will make travel faster, safer and more convenient. Businesses, industries, tourism and logistics will benefit, creating new job opportunities in Kashi, Purvanchal and border districts.

The budget announced the establishment of an inland waterways ship repair ecosystem in Varanasi. This will strengthen Ganga-based water transport, reduce costs, and create local jobs for technical experts, engineers and skilled workers. The project will also support youth through skill development and technical training.

Sarnath and Hastinapur will be included in the country's 15 major archaeological tourism sites. The move is expected to increase domestic and international tourist visits, strengthen UP's cultural identity, and create jobs in hotels, transport, guide services, handicrafts and local markets.

The City Economic Region (CER) scheme will develop Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi. Over five years, around ₹5,000 crore will be invested in each CER to build industrial clusters, startup hubs, logistics parks, and modern urban infrastructure, creating local employment opportunities.

The budget allocates a record Rs 12.2 lakh crore for infrastructure, benefiting roads, national highways, expressways, railways and logistics hubs in Uttar Pradesh. The investment will improve industrial connectivity, reduce logistics costs and boost UP's position as a transit and manufacturing hub in North India.

Special incentives will support sports goods manufacturing in Meerut, Noida, and Agra. MSMEs will receive credit and technology upgrades to increase competitiveness. Textile clusters, handlooms, handicrafts, khadi, and village industries in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand will get support to enhance incomes and gain national and international recognition.

The AI-based Bharat-VISTAAR program will help farmers with scientific farming advice, reducing crop risks and increasing production. SHE-Marts will provide women self-help groups with organized marketing opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship and income. Youth will benefit through new opportunities in agri-tech, digital marketing, logistics and entrepreneurship.

Girls' hostels will be set up in every district to provide safe accommodation for students. STEM institutions and skill development programs will support education. District hospitals will get expanded emergency facilities and trauma centers, improving healthcare access and creating jobs for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and support personnel.