By Mr. Avneesh Sood, Director, Eros Group, on “Budget Expectations 2026” for your review.

“Going into Budget 2026, the focus for the sector is not on bigger announcements but on smoother execution. Over the last few years, land prices, material costs, labor expenses, and compliance requirements have all increased, and policies need to reflect this reality. Revisiting the affordable housing definition can help restart supply in urban and fringe markets where projects are no longer viable under old price limits. Timely payments and a clear dispute-resolution system for government contracts would ease cash-flow pressure and reduce financing costs. Clarity on REIT and InvIT taxation is important to attract long-term capital into commercial real estate and infrastructure assets. The sector also expects a clear GST roadmap to reduce cascading taxes, support for green steel and cement, and continued investment in urban infrastructure, such as water, drainage, and logistics parks. More than anything, predictable regulations and faster approvals will decide how confidently companies invest and build in the next phase.”