“The proposed outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next five years for developing City Economic Regions marks a decisive shift in India’s urban growth narrative. By consciously focusing on tier-two, tier-three cities and even temple towns, the Budget recognises that the next wave of India’s economic momentum will come from beyond the metros. Cities are not just population centres; they are engines of innovation, employment and productivity, and this initiative aims to unlock the power of urban agglomerations by aligning infrastructure investments with each city’s unique growth drivers.
For India to truly build smart cities, the emphasis must go beyond digital solutions and focus equally on resilient physical infrastructure—especially water management, energy efficiency and sustainable utilities. Modern cities need intelligent pumping systems, efficient water supply, wastewater management and climate-ready infrastructure to support growing populations and industries. The challenge-based allocation of ₹5,000 crore per City Economic Region encourages competition, innovation and outcome-driven planning.
As a member of the CII National Startup Council, I see this Budget as equally significant for India’s startup ecosystem. India’s startup challenge is not ideas or talent, but the cost of capital and cash-cycle friction. Faster GST refunds, rational ESOP taxation at liquidity and stronger R&D cash incentives are critical to ensure innovation-led startups scale globally. Together, urban reforms and startup-friendly policies can make India’s growth more inclusive, resilient and future-ready.”
Budget 2026–27: Views Of Mr. Ankit Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, Cosmos Pumps
