Budget 2026: High-Speed Rail, Medical Hubs, Eco-Trails to Boost India Tourism

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2026-27, focusing on strengthening India's travel, tourism, and connectivity ecosystem.
• Seven new high-speed rail corridors, including Mumbai–Pune and Bengaluru–Varanasi, are planned to enhance inter-city travel and open new tourism circuits.
• Five regional medical tourism hubs will be established in partnership with states and the private sector to promote India as a global medical tourism destination.
• A major skilling push includes training 10,000 tourist guides and establishing a National Institute of Hospitality to improve service quality.
• Development of 15 archaeological sites, sustainable mountain/turtle/birdwatching trails, and new Buddhist Circuits in the North-East aim to diversify tourism offerings.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 outlines a comprehensive strategy to transform India's tourism sector through infrastructure, skilling, and diverse offerings.