In the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a focused initiative to promote development in the Northeastern states by integrating infrastructure, tourism and sustainable transport. As part of this, 4,000 electric buses will be provided to improve connectivity across the region, strengthening both urban and rural mobility.
The Budget also plans to develop Buddhist pilgrimage circuits across six North‑Eastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura – aiming to boost pilgrimage and cultural tourism while preserving the region’s rich heritage. These circuits are expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, enhancing local livelihoods and tourism‑led economic growth.
Overall, the proposals reflect a broader effort to integrate green transportation with tourism development in the North‑East, positioning the region as a destination for cultural, spiritual and sustainable travel.
