Decoding Budget: Eye on polls, Rs 90,000 cr for infra projects in West Bengal, Kerala & Assam

The Modi government has allocated Rs 90,000 crore for road and highway projects in West Bengal and Kerala, evidently keeping in mind the upcoming assembly polls in the two states.

Presenting the first paperless Union Budget on Monday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated Rs 65,000 crore for road and highway projects in Kerala and Rs 25,000 crore for West Bengal.

West Bengal and Kerala, along with Assam, go to polls this year, expectedly in April-May. Both states have, so far, rejected BJP’s brand of politics but this time it is being speculated that the BJP may succeed in increasing its seats and vote share in both the states.

Sitharaman has also allocated Rs 3,400 crore for road infrastructure development in Assam where the BJP is in power.

The Finance Minister announced that work on the second phase of Kochi Metro Railway, which would begin soon, will cost Rs 1,957.05 crore.

“I have also provided an enhanced outlay of Rs 1,18,101 crore for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, of which Rs 1,08,230 crore is for capital – the highest ever provided,” said Sitharaman.