Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant infrastructure development initiative during her Union Budget presentation on February 1, proposing a new dedicated freight corridor that will connect Surat in Gujarat with Dankuni in West Bengal. This proposal forms part of broader efforts to strengthen logistics and freight movement across the country.

Presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget, Sitharaman outlined the infrastructure plan, stating: "I propose to establish new dedicated freight corridors connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West. Operationalise 25 new national waterways over the next five years."

Strategic East-West Connectivity

The proposed freight corridor represents a strategic east-west connectivity project aimed at enhancing cargo transportation efficiency between two key industrial regions. The corridor will link Surat, a major commercial hub in Gujarat, with Dankuni, an important logistics center in West Bengal.

Comprehensive Infrastructure Strategy

Alongside the rail infrastructure development, the Finance Minister announced plans to operationalise 25 new national waterways over the next five years. This waterways expansion complements the freight corridor proposal as part of a comprehensive logistics infrastructure enhancement strategy.

Economic Objectives

The East-West Freight Corridor proposal addresses key economic concerns through improved transportation infrastructure:

• Logistics Cost Reduction: The corridor aims to streamline transportation and reduce overall logistics expenses
• Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency: Better connectivity between eastern and western industrial regions
• Multi-modal Transportation: Integration of rail and waterway infrastructure for comprehensive logistics solutions

The announcement reflects the government's continued focus on improving freight movement capabilities and strengthening the country's logistics network through strategic infrastructure development initiatives.

The Finance Minister has announced a major educational infrastructure initiative as part of the Union Budget 2026, revealing plans to establish 5 university townships strategically located near industrial corridors across the country.

Educational Infrastructure Development

The proposed university townships represent a significant investment in India's higher education landscape. These facilities will be positioned near existing industrial corridors to facilitate stronger connections between academic institutions and manufacturing hubs.

Strategic Integration with Industrial Zones

The positioning of these university townships near industrial corridors reflects a strategic approach to education planning. This proximity is expected to enhance collaboration between educational institutions and industrial establishments, potentially creating opportunities for research partnerships and skill development programs.

Policy Framework

The announcement forms part of the broader Union Budget 2026 framework, indicating the government's commitment to expanding educational infrastructure. The initiative demonstrates a focus on creating educational hubs that can support industrial development and economic growth in targeted regions.