Welcoming the Union Budget 2026–27, Lalit Beriwala, Managing Director of Shyam Steel Group, said the Budget lays a strong foundation for a more connected, technologically empowered and inclusive India, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047. Commenting on the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Beriwala highlighted the continued thrust on capital expenditure, raised to 9 per cent, with public capex increased to ₹12.2 trillion for 2026–27. He said focused investments in railway network expansion, express highway connectivity and construction-led growth would significantly strengthen India’s infrastructure backbone, creating sustained demand for quality steel and boosting overall industrial activity.
He further noted that infrastructure development proposals for tier II and tier III cities would accelerate growth across the steel, cement and other building material sectors, while generating large-scale employment opportunities in urban and semi-urban areas, helping address unemployment concerns.
Beriwala also welcomed the emphasis on waterways development and the announcement of seven additional Dedicated Freight Corridors, along with eco-friendly and sustainable passenger corridors, semiconductor corridors, chemical parks, rare earth corridors and textile parks. He said these initiatives, combined with long-term structural reforms, would support sustained economic growth. Highlighting rapid digital transformation, Beriwala said the government’s focus on Artificial Intelligence–driven tools and skill-to-employment frameworks aligns with modern manufacturing needs, enabling smarter processes, improved productivity and enhanced operational efficiency in the steel industry. He also lauded continued support for women-led enterprises, terming the Budget growth-oriented, progressive, business-friendly and pragmatic.
