Neal Thakker, Founder and CEO of Magma Group
“As India’s manufacturing base scales, the next phase has to be about building factories that are not just bigger, but cleaner and more resilient. From our experience on the ground, MSMEs are ready to invest in energy-efficient machinery, better materials, and circular processes if access to capital and policy support is predictable. Budget 2026 is a real opportunity to align sustainability with competitiveness by backing technology upgradation, green materials, and simpler compliance for manufacturers who want to modernise without losing margins.”
“Manufacturing growth today is less about announcing new schemes and more about improving execution at the factory level. MSMEs need easier access to working capital, faster GST processes, and incentives to adopt digital and energy-efficient systems that directly improve throughput. If Budget 2026 strengthens technology upgradation and supports sustainable manufacturing at scale, it will help factories become globally competitive while staying grounded in unit economics.”
Tripat Girdhar, Founder of Arete Design Studio
“The 2026 Union Budget must approach the built environment as a long-term national asset, not a short-term fiscal lever. From a policy perspective, real estate needs stability, tax clarity, and predictable approval frameworks to unlock sustained housing-led growth and investor confidence. For developers, the focus should shift from volume-driven construction to performance-led development, where design efficiency, lifecycle cost, and operational sustainability define value. Architecture must be recognised as core infrastructure that directly impacts energy consumption, public health, and urban resilience. Budget incentives should reward climate-responsive design, passive strategies, and durable materials that reduce long-term maintenance and energy costs for both occupants and asset owners. Affordable housing policy must emphasise liveability, dignity, and long-term performance, not just unit counts. Urban planning, public spaces, and last-mile connectivity deserve stronger fiscal support. A design-led budget will help developers build smarter assets while enabling policymakers to create resilient, efficient, and people-centric cities.”
Ajay Rao, Founder & CEO, Emiza
“The upcoming Union Budget is an opportunity to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive logistics hub. Continued capex under PM Gati Shakti, across roads, rail, ports and integrated logistics parks, will be critical to reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency.
For 3PL players, policy support for technology adoption such as automation, AI and digital supply chains, along with incentives for green warehousing, can significantly enhance productivity and sustainability. Clarity on GST, especially input tax credit on construction, will unlock faster development of Grade A warehouses.
Easier access to long-term financing, focused support for MSMEs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and sustained investment in air cargo and cold-chain infrastructure will help build a resilient, future-ready logistics ecosystem aligned with the National Logistics Policy.”