Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that Goa’s revenue will increase by Rs 5.23 billion as part of its central tax share, bringing the total devolution for 2025-26 to Rs 54.9 billion. He welcomed the Union Budget’s allocation of Rs 1.50 trillion for capital investment, confirming that Goa has already utilised Rs 11.85 billion from this scheme until January. 

Infrastructure projects in the state will receive a boost, with Rs 4.82 billion allocated for Konkan Railway and South Western Railway to support station upgrades, new lines, and track doubling. Sawant stated that this will facilitate the introduction of Vande Bharat trains on the Canacona-Pernem double-track route within the next two to three years. 

The state will establish two Day Care Cancer Centres, one in North and one in South Goa, as outlined in the budget. Additionally, the revamped PM Svanidhi scheme will benefit over 3,000 street vendors. 

Goa’s tourism sector is set to grow with funding for upgrading the country’s top 50 tourism destinations, increased MUDRA loans for homestays, and support for the “Heal in India” medical tourism initiative, which includes streamlined visa norms for foreign tourists. 

Sawant also confirmed that the foundation stone for IIT Goa’s permanent campus will be laid this year, with the land finalisation process nearing completion. 

(thegoan.net)