India’s Infrastructure Driving Growth Ambitions, Says Finance Minister

India’s infrastructure sector has undergone significant expansion over the past decade, with capital expenditure rising six-fold from Rs 2 lakh crore in 2014–15 to Rs 11.21 lakh crore in 2025–26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday.

She noted that the current capital expenditure allocation is the highest ever, as the government prioritises long-term investments to achieve the ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal.

Taking to X, the Finance Minister posted, “India’s Infrastructure has seen rapid progress in the last decade under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi.”

“Allocation for Capital Expenditure at its highest-ever at Rs 11.21 lakh crore during FY2026. A leap of more than 860% in budget allocation for Road Transport to Rs 3+ lakh crore. 4 Times surge in Metro Rail Network from just 248 KM in 2014 to 1011 KM in 2025,” the post added.

The Finance Minister also cited landmark engineering accomplishments such as the Atal Tunnel and the Chenab Bridge, describing them as symbols of PM Modi’s vision for a modern, well-connected, and prosperous nation.

“These marvels exemplify PM Modi’s vision for a modern, connected and prosperous Bharat,” she stated.

Focus on sustainability and long-term vision

Sitharaman said the government backs the infrastructure drive with a commitment to sustainability and a long-term outlook.

“It is laying the foundations of a self-reliant India,” the Finance Minister asserted.

The government will likely exceed its revised capital expenditure target of Rs 10.18 lakh crore for FY25.

The original target in the Union Budget for 2025–26 was slightly lowered from Rs 11.1 lakh crore, but the FY26 capex is now set at Rs 11.21 lakh crore.

The Finance Minister also reiterated that the Indian economy is likely to remain the world’s fastest-growing, supported by increased capital expenditure and rising rural consumption.

The effective capital expenditure in the 2025–26 Budget stands at 4.3 per cent of GDP, while the projected fiscal deficit is at 4.4 per cent.

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