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Mr. Y. R. Nagaraja, Managing Director of Ramky Infrastructure Ltd

"In the last Union Budget, the government allocated Rs 11.1 lakh crore towards infrastructure development, significantly driving growth in the sector. To build on this momentum, we expect a further 30% increase in infrastructure spending to Rs 18 lakh crore in the upcoming budget. This boost would be pivotal in moving closer to the World Bank's projection of requiring $840 billion—approximately $55 billion annually—over the next 15 years to meet the demands of India's rapidly expanding urban population.

The previous budget placed a commendable emphasis on sustainable urban development, with significant initiatives such as sewage waste management and treatment projects in over 100 cities. We urge the government to continue focusing on the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), which plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for the underprivileged by providing essential civic amenities like water supply, sewerage, and urban transport. The Rs 8,000 crore outlay in the last budget was a step in the right direction, and we hope to see enhanced allocations this year.

Additionally, partnerships that drive sustainable infrastructure projects must be explored, along with incentives for the use of eco-friendly construction materials such as steel slag and recycled plastic waste for road development. Building on previous initiatives like the Rs 1.5 lakh crore interest-free loans to states for infrastructure expansion and the Phase IV launch of PMGSY to provide all-weather connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations.

We also propose the introduction of a sustainability rating framework to assess infrastructure projects on their long-term environmental impact and viability. Such a rating system would not only ensure sustainable development but also highlight areas of improvement for project optimization. A continued focus on holistic urban development schemes and the Smart Cities Mission will be crucial in shaping India's infrastructural landscape for a sustainable and inclusive future."