Strategic Tourism Expansion: Budget 2026 Unveils Purvodaya Hubs and Buddhist Circuits in North-East

In a significant move to bolster regional development and cultural tourism, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2026 proposal outlines a comprehensive strategy targeting the Purvodaya States. The initiative includes establishing five new tourism destinations within these eastern regions, alongside the launch of dedicated Buddhist Circuits spanning Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. This dual approach aims to enhance infrastructure, promote spiritual heritage, and stimulate economic growth through increased visitor engagement. Complementing these efforts, the allocation of 4,000 e-buses underscores a commitment to sustainable mobility, reducing carbon footprints while improving connectivity. Analysts view this as a calculated step to position the North-East as a premier tourism corridor, leveraging its unique cultural and natural assets. The plan is expected to generate employment, foster local entrepreneurship, and strengthen India's soft power on the global stage. As implementation details emerge, stakeholders will monitor progress closely, anticipating transformative impacts on both regional economies and national tourism metrics.