ROADS, RARE EARTH AND A PATH TO THE POLLS

Industrial clusters, sectoral corridors and city-focused growth models will benefit Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal

- Dhirendra Kumar

The Budget outlined a range of sectoral corridors, industrial clusters and city-focused growth models that are likely to benefit states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry.

"We followed an approach that allows the Centre to address region-specific economic needs while keeping the Budget aligned with a pan-India framework and avoiding state-specific allocations during an election cycle," Sitharaman said at a post-budget press conference.

Among the key announcements was support for setting up dedicated rare earth corridors in mineral-rich states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The move builds on a scheme for rare earth permanent magnets launched in November 2025 and is aimed at promoting mining, processing, research and manufacturing of critical inputs used in electronics, clean energy and defence.

The minister said the corridors would help reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains in sectors that are increasingly strategic amid global disruptions.