Budget 2026: Integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor, Buddhist Circuits & Clean Transport Purvodaya States

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday outlined a focused development strategy for the Purvodaya states and the Northeast during her Union Budget 2026 speech in Parliament.

The announcements aim to strengthen infrastrducture, boost tourism, improve public transport and preserve cultural heritage in these regions.

East Coast Industrial Corridor and Clean Transport Push

Under the Purvodaya initiative, Sitharaman proposed the development of an integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor with a well-connected industrial node at Durgapur. The corridor is expected to improve connectivity, attract investment and create employment opportunities across eastern India.

To further support regional growth, the Finance Minister announced the creation of five tourism destinations in five Purvodaya states. These destinations will focus on local culture, heritage and natural attractions to strengthen the tourism economy.

She also proposed the deployment of 4,000 electric buses, which will help improve public transport, reduce pollution and support clean mobility across the region.

Buddhist Circuits to Boost Northeast Tourism

Sitharaman said the North East India holds deep cultural and spiritual importance as a meeting point of Theravada and Mahayana (Vajrayana) Buddhist traditions. To promote this heritage, she announced a new scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits across several northeastern states.

The scheme will cover Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
According to the Finance Minister, the initiative will focus on preserving temples and monasteries, setting up pilgrimage interpretation centres, improving connectivity, and providing better facilities for pilgrims. The move is expected to encourage spiritual tourism while supporting local livelihoods.

Balanced Development Through Regional Focus

Sitharaman said the government's goal is to ensure balanced growth by focusing on regions with untapped potential. By combining industrial development, tourism promotion and sustainable transport, the Purvodaya and Northeast initiatives aim to integrate these regions more closely with India's overall economic progress.

The announcements underline the Centre's commitment to inclusive development, cultural preservation and long-term infrastructure growth across eastern and northeastern India.