Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday welcomed the Union Budget 2026, saying its provisions for high-speed rail corridors, new waterways, textile parks, and employment generation reflect a development-oriented vision for Bihar as well as the entire country.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, “The Union Budget has proposed the introduction of seven high-speed rail corridors across the country. The Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed rail corridor will greatly benefit Bihar as well. In addition, the budget has announced the creation of 20 new national waterways across the country. Under this initiative, ship repair facilities will be made available in Patna and Varanasi. The expansion of waterways will benefit several cities in Bihar, enhance export facilities for the state’s products, and boost trade and commercial activities.”
He further said, “The Union Budget has also announced large textile parks across the country and the Mahatma Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme. Additionally, support of Rs40,000 crore has been announced for the semiconductor sector. This will create new employment opportunities for young people across the country, including Bihar, and help accelerate the nation’s economic growth.”
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary said the budget has cleared the way for a water metro route from Bihar to Varanasi, adding that the waterway would be systematically developed. He also said the Bihar government has already provided land for the proposed ship repair facility in Patna.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi said all sectors have been given equal importance in the budget. He said it presents a clear vision for strengthening the employment and tourism sectors, including the development of Buddhist sites in the northeastern region and the creation of five new tourist destinations.
“This budget will prove to be a milestone for development, farmers’ prosperity, and relief for the middle class. It is not only a strong step toward a self-reliant India, but also a historic effort to make the country economically and socially stronger,” he said.
However, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram sharply criticised the NDA government, alleging that it has attempted to hide the country’s weakening economy by selling dreams and confusing people with impressive figures.
He said no announcement offering tangible benefits for Bihar was made in the budget, despite several populist promises announced ahead of last year’s elections that have yet to materialise. He added that Bihar has not even received its rightful share of funds.
RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav termed the Budget completely directionless and anti-people, which has ignored Bihar. He said the people of the state were shown grand dreams to secure votes but did not receive even a single factory in return.
“Bihar continues to rank at the bottom of the country in education and healthcare. The people were expecting a special package or special category status, but all they received was disappointment. Even the proposal to set up a ship repair facility in Patna is nothing more than a token gesture,” he said.