Provisions for national highways has been increased by 12 per cent in the infrastructure in the Union Budget 2017, which will result in additional funds worth Rs 7,000 crore (a total of Rs 64,000 crore) in this sector.
A provision of Rs 2,000 crore has been made for connectivity through highways adjacent to seashores, as well as another provision of Rs 19,000 crore has been made for rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), both are encouraging for sure.

The affordable housing scheme is now included in the infrastructure sector and its area is increased by 30 per cent, which will benefit the middle-class the most. Also, the fact that this decision would help the common man to get housing loan at a lower interest rate, is also beneficial to many.

Provisions made keeping in mind roads and highways is a positive step and a systematic increase in the same is also visible.

Provisions made for the fundamental facilities and security in the Railways, will also prove to be encouraging for the sector. The time-frame set to ensure that power is made available across the nation is a very positive thing and it will expedite the growth process of the power sector.  

Though not much is given to the manufacturing sector. It was expected by professionals and industrialists that at least interest rates would be brought down. However, no such measure is taken as far as this Union Budget is concerned.
- Satish Parakh, Managing Director, Ashoka Buildcon