Union Budget disappoints Bihar industrialists, calls for ‘booster dose’ for state

Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced proposals to set up a shipyard in Patna and a Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed rail corridor, saying the projects will give a major boost to Bihar.

It is expected that these projects will improve connectivity in the state, reduce freight transportation costs, and create new training and employment opportunities for youth in the inland waterways sector.

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However, many industrialists in Bihar appeared disappointed. They said that the budget is aimed at the country’s overall development. It does not offer anything particularly special for Bihar. Entrepreneurs stated that they had expected something distinctive for Bihar in this budget, but those expectations have been dashed.

Bihar Industries Association President Ramlal Khetan said that Bihar needs a separate booster dose. Per capita income in Bihar is quite low, and unless it increases, rapid development in the state will not be possible.

Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries President PK Agrawal said that people in Bihar were hoping for a special package in the budget, but its absence has led to disappointment.

Some other entrepreneurs said that they had high expectations from the budget. Since the Finance Minister has spoken about mega textile parks, at least one such park should be set up in Bihar.

In the previous budget, the Centre had paid special attention to Bihar. Considering that Bihar accounts for 80% of the country’s makhana (fox nut) production, a special “Makhana Board” was announced. On the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, commitments were made to develop the Vishnupad Temple (Gaya) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya) corridors.

Approval was given for the expansion of IIT Patna and the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar. The development of new greenfield airports and the acceleration of construction work at Bihta Airport were announced. An initial allocation of approximately Rs 11,500 crore was also made for flood management.