Union Budget 2026-27 Poised to Make Odisha a Key Growth Driver, Says Pradhan
In a significant announcement, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan declared on Saturday that Odisha is set to emerge as one of the foremost beneficiaries of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The budget, he emphasized, is expected to deliver substantial advantages across multiple critical sectors including agriculture, education, tourism, infrastructure development, and employment generation.
Record Railway Allocation and Infrastructure Boost
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar to outline the budget proposals, Pradhan highlighted a monumental allocation for railway projects in Odisha. The state has been granted a record sum of Rs 10,928 crore for railway infrastructure, a figure that represents nearly thirteen times the average annual allocation received during the period from 2009 to 2014. This unprecedented funding is anticipated to significantly accelerate rail connectivity and modernization efforts throughout the state.
Furthermore, Pradhan detailed the development of National Waterway No. 5, which will stretch from Talcher-Angul to Paradip-Dhamra via the Brahmani and Mahanadi rivers. This initiative is projected to enhance logistics networks, stimulate industrial activity, and substantially reduce transportation costs for businesses operating in the region.
Industrial Corridors and Employment Opportunities
The minister outlined ambitious plans for the establishment of a 'Rare Earth Corridor' and the 'East Coast Industrial Corridor'. These projects are designed to elevate Odisha's industrial and mineral ecosystem to unprecedented levels, fostering large-scale employment opportunities, particularly targeting the youth demographic. "Odisha would emerge as a major hub in the new-age economy through optimal use of advanced skills and its rich mineral resources," Pradhan asserted.
Transformative Benefits for Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods
Pradhan underscored the budget's focus on agricultural and rural development. A key measure includes the reduction of tax on kendu leaves from 5% to 2%, a move expected to transform the livelihoods of approximately 15 lakh kendu leaf workers and tribal communities. Additionally, special assistance programs for the cultivation of coconut, cashew, and cocoa in coastal districts are set to boost farmer incomes significantly.
Irrigation infrastructure will also receive a major boost through the development of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars, with particular benefits aimed at the KBK districts. The budget further proposes linking women self-help groups and fishermen's organizations to markets via startup-based models, thereby strengthening the blue economy and creating new livelihood avenues along the coastal regions.
Tourism and Education Sectors to Flourish
On the tourism front, initiatives such as the 'Turtle Trails' project at locations like Gahirmatha are expected to provide Odisha's tourism sector with a distinct identity while bolstering the local economy. The budget places special emphasis on developing world-class tourism destinations within the state.
Education is another sector poised for major gains. The budget introduces new opportunities for skill development, STEM education for girls, and employment-linked learning initiatives, all aimed at preparing Odisha's youth for future challenges. "Through initiatives like Purvodaya, Odisha is being envisioned as a growth engine of eastern India," Pradhan added.
Vision for Inclusive Development
Pradhan emphasized that the budget is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth), opening new avenues of development for Odisha and positioning the state as a pivotal driver of India's growth narrative. The press conference was also attended by State BJP president Manmohan Samal, underscoring the collaborative approach towards realizing these developmental goals.
