Historic Central Budget Boost for Maharashtra: New Push for Women Entrepreneurship, Health and Infrastructure

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : Union Minister of State for Energy, Women and Child Development, Public Works and Public Health, Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, said that the Union Budget 2026–27 has sanctioned a substantial and record allocation for Maharashtra, giving fresh momentum to the State’s social and economic development. She said the budget will bring transformative changes across women empowerment, public health, infrastructure, energy and employment generation.

Under the Union Budget, Maharashtra has been allocated ₹89,855.80 crore as tax devolution and ₹50,511 crore as central assistance grants. In addition, the State will receive extra support in the form of long-term, interest-free loans under the Special Assistance Scheme for capital expenditure, which will accelerate development works across Maharashtra.

‘She-Marts’ to Strengthen Rural Women Entrepreneurship

Calling it one of the most important and revolutionary decisions of the budget, Sakore-Bordikar highlighted the introduction of ‘She-Marts’ (Self Help Entrepreneur Marts). Through this initiative, rural women will move beyond loan-based livelihoods towards ownership of sustainable enterprises. The She-Marts will be developed as community-owned retail centres, providing women-led self-help groups, women producer companies and small enterprises with assured and stable market access for their products.

She said the initiative would create an improved, innovative and accessible financing ecosystem for rural women entrepreneurs and help transform women from job seekers into job creators.

Cancer Treatment to Become More Affordable

From a public health perspective, the budget brings significant relief. The Union Government has decided to completely waive customs duty on 17 essential medicines used in cancer treatment. This move will substantially reduce treatment costs, providing financial relief to poor and middle-class families. In a large state like Maharashtra, cancer care will become more accessible and affordable.

Record Investment in Railways and Connectivity

A record ₹15,940 crore has been allocated for the railway sector in Maharashtra. Projects such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Vande Bharat Express services and the modernisation of 128 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme are underway, improving passenger amenities, safety and travel speed.

Metro, Roads and Public Works

Metro projects in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Thane are easing urban mobility. Under the Bharatmala and national highway programmes, more than 18,462 km of national highways have been developed in Maharashtra, boosting industry, trade and employment.

Public Health and Social Security

Projects like AIIMS Nagpur are strengthening healthcare infrastructure, while over 3.83 crore Ayushman cards have been distributed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Initiatives such as the Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and food security schemes are directly benefiting millions of families.

Energy and Industrial Growth

With focused investments in energy, industrial corridors, smart cities and logistics hubs, Maharashtra is emerging as a major investment destination, generating large-scale employment opportunities for youth.

Sakore-Bordikar expressed confidence that the Union Government’s visionary decisions have balanced women empowerment, healthcare improvement and infrastructure development, making this budget a milestone in Maharashtra’s social and economic progress.