The Union Budget signals more than incremental spending — it reinforces a long-term policy direction that places urbanisation at the core of India’s growth strategy. By raising public capital expenditure to Rs. 12.2 lakh crore and maintaining a clear infrastructure-first approach, the government is strengthening the physical and economic foundations that allow cities to expand, new urban centres to emerge and regional economies to mature.

Policy Continuity and Capex Boost Accelerate India’s Urbanisation Story

Industry leaders say the continuity in infrastructure investment, regional connectivity and urban development policies creates the structural conditions required for the next phase of India’s urban transformation — where Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities evolve into strong economic nodes rather than satellite extensions of metros.

Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group says, “The budget, with its focus on infrastructure-led growth and financial stability along with an increase in public capex to Rs. 12.2 lakh crore carries forward the momentum witnessed in the real estate sector in the last few years. The continued thrust on infrastructure spending will also boost office, retail, and mixed-use project, while also strengthening the ecosystem for job creation and demand generation, consequently boosting residential development. The setting up of the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will also accelerate further expansion. The focus on infrastructure expansion and economic activity in tier 2 and tier 3 cities will accelerate urban growth and unlock new real estate markets beyond major metros.”

Urbanisation is being shaped not only by physical infrastructure but also by improved financing mechanisms that reduce risk and enable large-scale development.

Sahil Agrawal, CEO, Nimbus Group, says, “The sector welcomes the Budget’s pragmatic approach, which combines strong capital expenditure with targeted policy measures to strengthen the infrastructure ecosystem. The increased capex provides visibility and confidence for developers and investors, particularly for long-gestation projects in metros and emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The introduction of dedicated REITs for public sector assets is a positive step towards unlocking capital, enabling reinvestment into new infrastructure and creating a more efficient funding cycle. Complementing this, the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will mitigate execution and financing risks, making large-scale projects more viable and predictable. Together, these measures are likely to improve project delivery timelines, enhance asset quality, and support sustainable, infrastructure-driven growth across the sector.”

Higher allocations toward urban infrastructure and stronger fiscal transfers to states are expected to accelerate both housing and commercial development in emerging urban regions.

Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, says, “The budget creates a stable and enabling framework for sustained real estate development. Its singular focus on infrastructure-led growth will be highly critical for the expansion of the real estate sector. The rise in capital expenditure, along with the emphasis on urban development, will lead to a conducive environment for the growth of residential and commercial segments. Moreover, the higher allocations for urban infrastructure and increased resource transfers to states will accelerate growth in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, expanding housing and commercial opportunities beyond metros.”

Connectivity upgrades are emerging as some of the most powerful drivers of urbanisation, reshaping commuting patterns and development corridors.

Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, says, “The Budget’s continued thrust on infrastructure development, particularly across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is a positive step for the real estate sector in the medium to long term. The announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors will act as powerful growth connectors, improving accessibility between major cities and emerging urban centres, and unlocking new residential and commercial micro-markets along these corridors. Equally important is the proposed scheme to enhance construction and infrastructure equipment, which can improve execution efficiency, reduce project timelines and bring greater predictability to delivery. With public capital expenditure raised to Rs. 12.2 lakh crore for FY27, the multiplier effect on roads, utilities and urban infrastructure is likely to accelerate planned developments beyond metros. As economic reforms also work towards easing financing conditions, we can expect increased developer confidence and institutional interest, translating into more organised, well-planned real estate growth across India’s next-generation cities.”

As infrastructure creates new job centres, commercial ecosystems are expected to deepen beyond traditional CBDs.

Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group says, “Increased government capital spending, focus on infrastructure creation, and development of urban areas will act as demand drivers for offices, business parks, logistics, and mixed-use commercial property. Further, the thrust on City Economic Regions with Rs. 5,000 crore allocation per region over five years and the focus on Tier 2 and 3 cities will also lead to the development of new job centres outside the metropolitan areas, thus aiding demand in emerging markets.”

Improved infrastructure quality and longevity are also expected to reduce development risk and strengthen institutional participation.

B.K. Malagi, Vice Chairman, Experion Developers says, “Through Budget 2026, the government sends a strong signal of continuity and long-term commitment to infrastructure-led growth. Sustained public capital expenditure, combined with improved construction capabilities, enhances the viability of large-scale real estate developments across metros as well as Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Better infrastructure reduces risk, improves asset longevity, and makes emerging markets more attractive to institutional investors. As connectivity improves, we can expect stronger demand for residential projects, office parks, logistics hubs and mixed-use developments along new growth corridors. The broader reform push, including efforts to improve financing frameworks, further supports capital flow into real estate-linked infrastructure. Overall, this Budget lays the groundwork for a more mature, fiscally disciplined real estate market aligned with India’s evolving urbanisation story.”

While the sector continues to seek tax and approval-related reforms, many view the Budget as favouring structural enablers of urbanisation over short-term demand triggers.

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group, says, “While the sector had hoped for measures around tax rationalisation, enhanced buyer incentives and faster approval mechanisms to further improve project viability, the Budget 2026 has clearly doubled down on infrastructure as the primary growth lever for real estate. Improved mobility has a direct impact on how cities expand, commute patterns evolve, and new economic zones emerge, and the announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors is set to be transformative. For metro regions, faster inter-city travel can unlock peripheral residential markets and ease pressure on core urban areas, while enhanced connectivity will also attract businesses, talent and institutional capital. The focus on upgrading construction and infrastructure equipment is equally important, as execution efficiency and quality delivery are critical for large-scale developments. Backed by a capital expenditure outlay of Rs.12.2 lakh crore, these measures strengthen the ecosystem for long-term, infrastructure-led real estate growth rather than speculative demand.”

Emerging cities are expected to transition from peripheral growth centres into independent, self-sustaining urban economies.

Bhupindra Singh, COO, RISE Infraventures says, “The Budget marks a decisive push towards strengthening India’s next growth engines, the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, through sustained infrastructure investment. High-speed rail corridors will dramatically improve accessibility, making these cities more attractive for businesses looking for cost-efficient expansion. As connectivity improves, we are likely to see increased demand for new commercial hubs and stronger office and retail ecosystems developing beyond metros. The proposed scheme to enhance construction and infrastructure equipment will further support faster project execution, which is critical in emerging markets where delivery timelines shape buyer trust. With capital expenditure raised to Rs.12.2 lakh crore, infrastructure-led urbanisation is expected to gather pace. This creates a strong runway for organised real estate development, allowing smaller cities to evolve into self-sustaining urban centres rather than satellite extensions of metros.”

Overall, policy continuity and sustained capex are not just supporting real estate — they are actively shaping India’s urbanisation trajectory, expanding the country’s city network and laying the groundwork for more balanced, infrastructure-backed urban growth.

Jamnabai Narsee School, GIFT City was transformed into a vibrant epicentre of sporting & cultural excellence as it proudly hosted Quintessence 4.0

Trustee Mr. Sujay Jairaj, Trustee Ms. Minal Thacker , Mr. Maniesh Paul & Ms.Isha Koppikar at the opening of Quintessence 4.0 at Jamnabai Narsee School, Gift City

Quintessence @quintessence_intraschoolfest is an intra-school festival, thoughtfully envisioned by Trustee Mr. Sujay Jairaj. It serves as a distinguished collaborative platform that unites students from five eminent institutions: Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai and GIFT City, Jamnabai Narsee International School Mumbai;and Chatrabhuj Narsee School Mumbai and Pune, fostering excellence and shared purpose. Comprising over 200 categories, over 2000 participants from 5 schools, 3 cities and 2 states, Quintessence 4.0 exemplified the ideals of creativity, camaraderie, and collaborative endeavour.

In his address, Shri Sujay Jairaj highlighted the transformative power of dreams, “Dream, Believe, Pursue, and Achieve. Dream ambitiously, commit wholeheartedly to your goals, strive for excellence in all your endeavours, and remain humble, celebrating each success along the way,”as a guiding principle for realizing one’s fullest potential. 

The name ‘Quintessence’ signifying the perfect embodiment of a quality or class, aptly captures the festival’s essence. Represented by the logo Joie de vivre, which embodies the joy and exuberance of life, the festival was conceived to celebrate students multifaceted talents in sports, the creative arts, and performing arts alike.

In its fourth edition, Quintessence gained further prominence with the presence of Guests of Honour Ms. Isha Koppikar and Mr. Maniesh Paul, inspiring students to view their creative and extracurricular pursuits as vital contributions to society. The competitions were overseen by a panel of esteemed judges, Kiku Sharda, Sunil Vishrani, Karanvir Sharma, and celebrated folk artists Kirtidan Gadhvi and Arvind Vegda.

The event was also graced by other luminaries such as choreographer Mr. Shounak Vyas and writer Mr. Anil Mulchandani alongside experts from arts, theatre, literature, culinary arts, and science & technology, gave students the rare opportunity to showcase their talents before industry leaders.

Trustee Ms. Minal Thacker expressed, “Quintessence inspires individual excellence, promotes collaboration, and celebrates the shared triumphs of our students. It serves as a platform for joint endeavour and truly captures the vibrant energy present across all 5 schools.”

Quintessence fosters creativity, innovation, synergy and confidence among students, embodying a vision that has been steadfastly nurtured over the years. The event stood as a powerful reminder that when youth and opportunity converge, the result is nothing short of magical. 

As the fourth edition came to a close, Quintessence 4.0 was unanimously celebrated as a triumph.

Instagram Handle : @quintessence_intraschoolfest

Student-built innovations addressing everyday challenges in health, safety, sustainability, and clean energy were recognised at SPARC 2026, a national-level student innovation finale curated by Tan90 Education and held in Bengaluru on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
 

Winners of the SPARC 2026 national-level competition along with Chief Guest Kumari Shibulal at the grand finale held in Bengaluru on February 1st
 

Top honours at the event were awarded to Siri MS from Vagdevi Vilas School, Bidadi, Mysore Road, Karnataka, who showcased an eco-friendly sanitary pad made from natural absorbent materials; and Shardul Prakash Deshinge from VK Mate High School, Chinchwad, Pune, who demonstrated a safety-focused pressure cooker designed to prevent cooking-related accidents, highlighting the practical, human-centred thinking that defined this year’s student projects.

Over the last five months, SPARC (Student Project and Research Challenge) 2026 brought together more than 1,000 middle and high school students from 185 schools across 30 cities and 13 states. From this national cohort, 36 student finalists were selected to present their projects at the Bengaluru finale. This year’s event marked the platform’s evolution from a city-led initiative into a pan-India student innovation movement, bringing together learners from diverse school systems and socio-economic contexts.

SPARC 2026 was inaugurated by Kumari Shibulal, Founder and Chairperson, Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI). “Seeing SPARC today, as a national event with students coming together from across the country, fills me with great happiness and hope. It tells me that we are moving in the right direction towards learning that is hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in curiosity. I truly hope SPARC becomes a hallmark for student innovation in the years to come. Not just as an event, but as a culture, one that values effort, imagination, and persistence,” she said.

Others who were awarded on the day include Hartej Singh Sall from DAV Public School, Ludhiana for ClogBuster; Pilla Naga Chaintanya from Sri Rama Sainik School, Vijaywada, for Seesaw Power Generator; Basavaraj Chalageri from Mount Everest High School, Byatarayanapura for PloughPro; and Sayyed Nuzaifa Irshad Ali from Ideal English School, Malad, Mumbai for Algae-Based Oxygen Generator.

The projects were evaluated by a multidisciplinary jury comprising Swati Sircar, Assistant Professor at the School of Continuing Learning, Azim Premji University; Smita Sircar, Deputy CEO at Labournet Foundation; Rushva Parihar, Head at Improving Lives Foundation; TV Sridhar, Executive Director at Right to Live; Vidya Sridhar, Trustee at My School Initiatives, SVSVS Trust; Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director, Projects at United Way Bengaluru; and Mahit Warhadpande, popularly known as the Jigyasu Juggler.

Projects were developed around four core themes: Sustainable Cities and Mobility; Health and Wellbeing for All; Clean Energy and Climate Action; and Inclusive Growth and Social Equity. Collectively, the projects reflected strong emphasis on safety, affordability, environmental responsibility, and real-world applicability.

Other highlights of the day included an Experience Zone where visitors could experience what it is like to be in a Tan90 lab. Open to visitors of all ages, it featured six hands-on stations spanning carpentry, art, mechanical concepts, mathematics, electrical systems, and an innovation lab. The event also included a student-led skit on classroom learning transformations, followed by a panel discussion on STEM education.

About Tan90 Education
Tan90 Education is a for-profit education company focused on building hands-on STEM learning ecosystems in schools across India. Working with affordable private schools, government institutions, and partners, Tan90 designs STEM labs, trains teachers, and delivers experiential curricula that help students learn by making.
 

With a presence across multiple states, Tan90’s work centres on nurturing scientific temper, creativity, and problem-solving skills, especially in contexts where access to quality STEM education is limited.

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, today announced a new partnership with The Postcard Hotel, Asia’s acclaimed luxury hospitality brand. This marks a significant milestone for the programme as it expands its network of premium partners and embarks on a new chapter in redefining luxury travel. Etihad Guest’s new hotel partnership in South Asia underscores the airline’s deep commitment to the region and its discerning travellers.

(L to R) Mr Anirudh Kandpal, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President, The Postcard Hotel, and Mr Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest – celebrate the launch of the new partnership

Through this collaboration, Etihad Guest members can now earn Miles each time they book and stay at any of The Postcard Hotel’s distinctive properties across India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka – unlocking more rewarding ways to experience authentic, destination-led luxury.

Etihad Guest members staying two or three nights at any Postcard property will earn 2,000 Miles, while those staying four nights or more will receive 4,000 Miles plus a complimentary night stay. The partnership brings together The Postcard Hotel’s signature brand of intimate luxury with Etihad Guest’s globally celebrated rewards programme, offering travellers meaningful and memorable journeys.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “At Etihad our commitment has always been to deliver exceptional customer service and Etihad Guest stands as a testament to the same. Our connection with India and the region goes far beyond our network – it reflects a shared appreciation for culture, hospitality, and meaningful travel. We’re delighted to welcome The Postcard Hotel to Etihad Guest, expanding the breadth of the programme in the region. This collaboration is a strategic step in deepening our engagement with the Indian subcontinent, offering travellers distinctive experiences that celebrate the region’s richness while enhancing the value of being an Etihad Guest member.”

Kapil Chopra, Founder and CEO of The Postcard Hotel, remarks, “We are delighted to join hands with Etihad Airways, a brand whose ethos of excellence and guest-centric service mirrors our own. This alliance enables Etihad Guest members to immerse themselves in the world of The Postcard Hotel—where every moment is designed to transcend expectations and deliver authentic, unforgettable luxury and experience our award-winning hospitality.”

Founded in 2018 by Kapil Chopra, with a team of experienced hoteliers, The Postcard Hotel has redefined modern Indian hospitality through its philosophy of intimate, immersive, and destination-led experiences. Each of its 11 properties across India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka reflects the local culture and surroundings — from tranquil beaches to lush hillsides and heritage enclaves. Guests enjoy unparalleled flexibility, including anytime check-in and check-out, and breakfast served at leisure, ensuring a stay that feels personal and unhurried.

Deepening Etihad’s Commitment to India

This announcement further highlights Etihad’s ongoing investment in India — from strategic partnerships and sponsorships with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai City FC, to locally inspired cuisine and Hindi-language digital experiences reaffirming its long-standing relationship with the Indian traveller.

India remains one of Etihad’s most important markets, with more than two decades of operations and a rapidly expanding base of Etihad Guest members. The airline operates 185 flights per week to 11 Indian gateways, connecting travellers seamlessly between India, Abu Dhabi, and destinations across its global network.

Etihad Guest continues to expand its global partner ecosystem, offering members the opportunity to earn and redeem Miles across an extensive network of travel and lifestyle brands.

About Etihad Airways  

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit etihad.com.

About The Postcard Hotel

Founded in December 2018 by Kapil Chopra along with accomplished hospitality leaders Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal and Raman Bansal, The Postcard Hotel was born of a desire to re-imagine luxury travel through design, authenticity and service. With a portfolio of luxury resorts across Goa, Kochi, Gir (Gujarat), Leh (Ladakh), Durrung Tea Estate (Assam), Maravanthe Beach (Karnataka), Thimpu (Bhutan), Galle (Sri Lanka), and Chitwan (Nepal) and beyond, the brand is known for crafting intimate and immersive stays that reflect their surroundings and offer understated refinement. The Postcard Hotel is now opening a new luxury hotel every quarter, making it the fastest growing hotel brand in the world.

In a recent triumph at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2025 in Hong Kong, The Postcard Hotel was named Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand 2025, with its distinctive properties across India collectively securing 11 prestigious awards—a testament to the brand’s growing leadership in luxury experiential hospitality.