Gujarat Unveils Rs 4.08 Lakh Crore Budget: Boost for Tourism, Sports, Digital

• Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai presented a Rs 4.08 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27, focusing on tourism, digital governance, regional growth, and sports infrastructure.
• The Budget, with a Rs 974 crore surplus and no new taxes, includes a 5% tax rebate for electric vehicles and a 10.2% increase in total outlay over the previous year.
• A major highlight is the roadmap to develop Ahmedabad as an “Olympic Ready City” for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Rs 1,278 crore allocated for sports infrastructure.
• Tourism receives a significant push, with 2026 declared ‘Gujarat Tourism Year’, and Rs 236 crore for Statue of Unity facilities, Rs 300 crore for Ambaji Corridor, and Rs 447 crore for iconic bus stations.
• The Budget also emphasizes digital governance with over Rs 850 crore for AI initiatives, balanced regional growth with Rs 6,600 crore for 80 projects, and substantial allocations for education, health, rural development, and tribal welfare.