Budget 2026: Industry Leaders Call for Doubling of Infra Fund Allocation in Logistics

New Delhi:

Port Wings News Network:

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, industry leaders from various sectors, including logistics, demanded major infrastructure reforms and heavy budget allocation across diverse sectors. A recent survey by one of India’s leading skill councils, Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC), highlighted the need for an infrastructure focused budget aligned with vision to position the country as a global economic powerhouse.

Building on last year’s ₹1.5 lakh crore allocation for interest-free loans to states and landmark investments in highways, urban transport, and smart cities, the expectations of industry leaders are running high for a potential doubling of this outlay.

Ravikanth Yamarthy, CEO, Logistics Sector Skill Council, said, “As the logistics sector emerges as the engine of India’s economic momentum, Budget 2026 presents a defining opportunity to set new benchmarks in growth, employment generation, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The prospect of doubling infrastructure allocations, following years of transformative investment in highways, railways, and logistics corridors, can unlock robust supply-chain efficiency and global competitiveness. Targeted support for digital logistics, green supply chains, and comprehensive upskilling programs will equip India’s talent for future-ready roles, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and attract private investment.”

Industry leaders emphasize that sustained infrastructure planning is key to attracting investment, boosting competitiveness, and ensuring development benefits all regions.

Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, Sanjay Ghodawat Group, said, “Infrastructure remains the critical lever for unlocking India’s next wave of consumption. We see a significant opportunity for the Budget to prioritize retail-centric infrastructure, specifically by encouraging investments in modern warehousing, cold-chain facilities, and last-mile logistics corridors. Granting ‘Industry Status’ to retail infrastructure would lower the cost of capital and accelerate the development of integrated retail parks, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Equally important is strengthening intra-district roads, power reliability, and digital infrastructure that support everyday retail operations.”

The government’s ongoing emphasis on infrastructure is seen as a driving force for unlocking new opportunities, enhancing the quality of life, and fueling overall economic momentum.

Dr. Avishek Kumar, Founder & Director, Sunkonnect, said, “We need serious investment in decentralized solar, microgrids, and community energy systems to democratize access across India. At the same time, we must build recycling and R&D ecosystems for solar panels and batteries, while prioritizing local battery manufacturing and a domestic supply chain for energy storage systems. Low-cost finance and viability gap funding can unlock rapid deployment. India’s clean energy future depends on the infrastructure we build today.”

A robust and future-ready infrastructure framework is also seen as the backbone for innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable progress across industries.

Gagan Arora, Founder and President, Vertex Group, said, “The Union Budget 2026-27 must treat AI and data infrastructure as national priorities. We expect major investment in world-class data centers, affordable power tariffs for these facilities, and tax breaks for companies building advanced computing networks and AI hardware. Infrastructure for indigenous AI, including dedicated tech parks, will be transformative for the sector and the broader economy. Without a strong physical and digital backbone, India’s AI ambitions will remain limited regardless of policy or talent.”

Stakeholders note that bold infrastructure reforms can help India realize its full economic potential, boost job creation, and cement its reputation as a global investment destination.

Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, CMD, Noormahal Group, stated, “As we approach Union Budget 2026, we urge the government to prioritize comprehensive infrastructure upgrades for the hospitality sector. Granting infrastructure status to hotels would be a pivotal reform, unlocking access to institutional finance and enabling faster capacity expansion to meet the increasing demand from both leisure and corporate travelers. Additionally, streamlining regulatory approvals and implementing a unified single-window clearance system would significantly reduce project delays and costs.”

With unified calls for action from diverse industries, the survey confirms that Union Budget 2026 presents a pivotal opportunity to lay the groundwork for an inclusive, and future-ready India, driven by robust infrastructure and innovation across sectors.