With her ninth consecutive budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has adopted a pragmatic and fiscally prudent approach to navigating an uncertain, unpredictable, and unorthodox or U3 world. Budget 2026 reflects a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening India’s economic resilience, deepening self-reliance, and propelling India into the next phase of its industrial-growth trajectory.
The Budget places tourism and culture at the centre of economic growth. Tourism has the rare ability to turn heritage, culture and nature into broad-based prosperity, igniting local economies while generating employment at a scale few sectors can match. In a boost to heritage tourism, the Budget proposes development of 15 archaeological sites into vibrant, experience-led cultural destinations.
Globally recognised locations such as Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Lothal will be reimagined through enhanced visitor amenities, interpretation centres, curated walkways, and storytelling platforms. Beyond preserving history, this initiative is expected to create meaningful local employment opportunities for artisans, historians, technologists, and small business owners.
To further improve accessibility and capture India’s cultural wealth, a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will be created. Investment in talent remains central to this vision. A pilot programme to upskill 10,000 tour guides across 20 iconic destinations through a standardised 12-week hybrid programme developed in collaboration with an IIM will professionalise the sector.
The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology will be upgraded into a full-fledged institute, strengthening hospitality education and building a future-ready workforce aligned with global standards. Special attention has also been given to tourism development across five Northeastern states, a region with immense cultural and natural appeal that has historically been underserved by mainstream infrastructure investments.
Perhaps the most transformative set of announcements is the expansion of high-speed rail network, a development that could reshape tourism, commerce, and connectivity. With approval granted for seven high-speed rail corridors designed as strategic “growth connectors,” the government is laying the foundation for faster, cleaner, and more efficient mobility between major economic centres, technology hubs, and cultural cities.
Beyond reducing travel time, high-speed rail offers a sustainable alternative to road and air travel, lowering carbon emissions. By seamlessly integrating heritage, wellness, adventure, and spirituality into a cohesive economic strategy, this Budget transforms tourism from a sectoral initiative into a national growth imperative.
Kumar Mangalam Birla
Chairperson, Aditya Birla Group