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Union Budget Unveils Strategic 'Purvodaya' Initiative: East Coast Industrial Corridor and Buddhist Tourism Circuits to Drive Regional Development

Agency Source: The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending New Bureau Release: February 1, 2026 | 09:17 IST
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In a significant budgetary announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a comprehensive development strategy targeting India's eastern states under the 'Purvodaya' framework. The centerpiece of this initiative is the proposed East Coast Industrial Corridor, a strategic infrastructure project designed to stimulate economic growth and industrial expansion along India's eastern seaboard. This corridor represents a calculated move to enhance regional connectivity, attract investment, and bolster manufacturing capabilities in alignment with national economic objectives.

Concurrently, the budget introduces a targeted scheme to develop five major tourism destinations and establish dedicated Buddhist circuits across six northeastern states. This dual-pronged approach aims to leverage the region's cultural heritage while fostering sustainable economic diversification. The Buddhist circuit development is particularly noteworthy, as it seeks to position northeastern India as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and international visitor engagement.

Analytically, these proposals signal a deliberate shift toward balanced regional development, addressing historical economic disparities while capitalizing on unique geographical and cultural assets. The industrial corridor and tourism initiatives are strategically interlinked, suggesting a holistic vision for infrastructure-led growth complemented by heritage conservation. This budgetary allocation reflects a sophisticated understanding of development economics, where industrial capacity building and cultural tourism are deployed as complementary drivers for long-term regional prosperity and national integration.

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