Gujarat Budget 2026-27: Rs 4.08 Lakh Cr to Fuel Olympic Dream, Tourism Boost

Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai on Wednesday presented the state Budget for 2026-27, with a total outlay of Rs 4.08 lakh crore , marking a 10.2 per cent increase over the previous financial year. The Budget projects an estimated surplus of Rs 974 crore, imposes no new taxes, and continues the 5 per cent rebate for electric vehicles, providing a relief of Rs 210 crore for citizens.

A major highlight of the Budget is the plan to develop Ahmedabad as an “Olympic Ready City” ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games , which Gujarat will host. The government has earmarked Rs 1,278 crore for Games-related infrastructure, including international-standard stadiums and improved urban transport around key venues. The sports department has been allocated Rs 1,331 crore , with Rs 500 crore dedicated to Ahmedabad and the SVP Sports Enclave , Rs 165 crore for district sports complexes, Rs 100 crore each for Olympic-level facilities at Karai and a Para High Performance Centre in Gandhinagar, and Rs 90 crore for a world-class hockey stadium.

Tourism is another key focus. The government has declared 2026 as ‘Gujarat Tourism Year’ to strengthen its national and international appeal. Rs 236 crore has been set aside to enhance facilities around the Statue of Unity, a major global attraction that has also boosted local employment among tribal communities. Rs 300 crore is proposed for the Ambaji Corridor Masterplan, while Rs 447 crore will be spent on iconic bus stations at Somnath and Ambaji, and a multi-modal transport hub at Somnath. Rs 60 crore is earmarked for developing Somnath and Shivrajpur Beach as world-class tourist destinations, and Rs 95 crore for training 1,000 tourist guides and upgrading heritage site facilities. Special initiatives like “Wed in Gujarat” aim to promote the state as a wedding tourism destination.

Urban development is supported through Rs 16,116 crore under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana , a 17 per cent increase over the previous allocation, aimed at improving urban infrastructure to support tourism and sports.

Finance Minister Desai highlighted that the Budget balances economic growth with cultural, sporting, and tourism development , positioning Gujarat as a global hub for events, sports, and heritage tourism while continuing citizen-friendly measures such as tax relief on electric vehicles.