Focus on transport, big boost to defence: A portfolio-wise breakdown of Union Budget 2026-27

FInance government minister Nirmala Sitharaman on lord's day presented the unification Budget 2026–27 on dominicus, announcing john major allocations across railways, defence, agriculture, MSMEs, healthcare and infrastructure, alongside key changes in income tax provisions.Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Budget as “historic”, calling it a “highway of immense opportunities” that would accelerate India’s Reform Express and strengthen the foundation for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.Also Read | ₹5,000 crore to develop CER around temple towns, tier-2, 3 cities">Budget 2026: ₹5,000 crore to develop CER around temple towns, tier-2, 3 citiesWhile the transport sector, including the Indian Railway and roadways, had the biggest share earmarked in the Budget, the defence spending got a major boost in this year's Budget. Sector-wise allotment of resourcesIn the Union Budget 2026–27, transport sector saw the highest allocation at ₹5,98,520 crore, followed closely by defence at ₹5,94,585 crore. Rural development has been allotted ₹2,73,108 crore, while home affairs gets ₹2,55,234 crore.Agriculture and allied activities have been allocated ₹1,62,671 crore and education ₹1,39,289 crore. Energy spending stands at ₹1,09,029 crore, with health receiving ₹1,04,599 crore.Urban development has been earmarked ₹85,522 crore, IT and telecom ₹74,560 crore, and commerce and industry ₹70,296 crore.Social welfare has been allocated ₹62,362 crore, scientific departments ₹55,756 crore and tax administration ₹45,500 crore.External affairs has received ₹22,119 crore, finance ₹20,649 crore, while development of the North East has been allotted ₹6,812 crore.Here is how allocations have been distributed in several sections of the major sectors.RailwaysThe Budget has earmarked ₹2,77,830 crore for capital expenditure for the Ministry of Railways in FY27, a 10.25 per cent increase over ₹2,52,000 crore in 2025–26 and the highest ever allocation, PTI reported.The funds will be used for new line construction, rolling stock procurement and infrastructure upgrades. In addition, ₹15,000 crore will be mobilised through extra budgetary resources.Rare earth mineralsThe government announced the creation of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to promote mining, processing, research and manufacturing.The move aims to strengthen domestic capacity in critical minerals and permanent magnet manufacturing, seen as essential for the modern manufacturing ecosystem.DefenceDefence spending has been pegged at ₹5,94,585 crore, with industry welcoming the nearly 22 per cent increase in capital expenditure. The decision to scrap basic customs duty on components used in aircraft manufacturing is expected to boost domestic production.Defence firms said the allocation reflects India’s geo-strategic priorities, with companies such as Thales highlighting its role in modernising the armed forces.Home AffairsThe Ministry of Home Affairs has received ₹2,55,234 crore, up 9.44 per cent from the previous year. Nearly 68 per cent of the allocation has gone to policing, covering central armed police forces, intelligence agencies, border development and policing in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported.Capital expenditure under the police head has risen sharply, signalling a renewed focus on modernisation and infrastructure. The ministry is headed by Amit Shah.Agriculture and allied sectorsAgriculture and allied activities have been allocated ₹1,62,671 crore, a 7.12 per cent increase from last year.The Budget focuses on livestock, fisheries and high-value agriculture, aiming to diversify rural livelihoods and reduce dependence on traditional crop farming, with special emphasis on small and marginal farmers.Waterways and logisticsThe Budget proposes dedicated freight corridors linking Dankuni to Surat, operationalisation of 20 new national waterways, and development of a ship repair ecosystem for inland transport.A coastal cargo promotion scheme has also been announced to raise the share of inland and coastal shipping to 12 per cent by 2047.Industry players, including Essar Ports, said the measures would strengthen India’s maritime and logistics backbone.MSMEsTo support small businesses, the government announced a ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund to create “Champion MSMEs” and mandated the use of TReDS for CPSEs. Indian Overseas Bank said the measures would improve access to credit, enhance liquidity and support balanced industrial growth with job creation.HealthcareHealthcare allocation has been raised by 10 per cent to ₹1,06,530 crore. The Budget includes measures to strengthen mental health infrastructure, establish regional medical hubs, boost biopharma manufacturing, train caregivers and reduce the cost of cancer medicines. As part of the mental health push, the government announced NIMHANS 2.0 to expand access to specialised care.