EXUDING confidence in the recently proposed investments in the region and steps initiated in the Union Budget 2026, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday said it will create about 5 lakh new direct jobs inVidarbha in next five years. “Overall, the Budget is aimed at giving a boost to growth and creating jobs in all parts of the country. This will happen in Maharashtra and in Vidarbha as well. Investment is pouring in here in the region and the Government is also spending on building infrastructure across the country.

 

It will strengthen the Government’s goal of a selfreliant India, boost industrial growth and eventually generate job opportunities,” he said while addressing a press meet held here in the city. Gadkari was giving his reaction on the Union Budget 2026 proposed recently by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Gadkari called infrastructure very crucial for development of any country and expressed great satisfaction over the Rs 20 lakh crore capital expenditure allocation for it in the Union Budget. “Funds have been allocated for building roads, railway network, shipping, and waterways. There are plans to build tunnels on roadways and railways with an investment of about Rs 3.5 lakh crore as part of a massive infrastructure push,” he highlighted. The Budget has also introduced a Rs 200 crore Scheme for Enhancement of Construction and Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) to boost the domestic manufacturing of high tech machinery, including tunnel boring machines.

 

“This initiative aims to reduce import reliance for infrastructure projects,” he observed. Gadkari further spoke about the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund introduced by the Finance Minister to provide partial credit guarantees to lenders for PPP projects. “This initiative enhances the bankability of infrastructure projects, encouraging private capital investment from banks and insurers,” he said. Commenting on logistics, he said the country’s logistics costs have come down to 9 per cent from 14-16 per cent of GDP. This reduction is driven by the expansion of expressways, economic corridors, and improved infrastructure. “The Government has further allocated huge funds in the Union Budget 2026 for building infrastructure. It will certainly produce positive results in the coming days,” he added. Mayor Neeta Thakre, former MP Ajay Sancheti; BJP City President Dayashankar Tiwari; Ex MLC Prof Anil Sole and others were also present.