Kamal Ghorui
In a broad-based policy push spanning agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing and financial support, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday cleared projects and schemes worth over Rs 1.52 lakh crore, signalling a strong focus on productivity, capacity expansion and strategic sectors.At the centre of the decisions is the Mission for Cotton Productivity – Kapas Kanti, with an outlay of Rs 5,659 crore. The programme is aimed at improving yields, enhancing quality and strengthening India’s position in global cotton markets at a time when textile value chains are under pressure.The Cabinet also approved the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane for the 2026-27 season, with an estimated financial implication of around Rs 1 lakh crore. The move is expected to support farmers’ incomes and ensure stability in the sugar sector.In a boost to credit flow, the government cleared Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5 with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore, aimed at supporting stressed sectors and ensuring continued liquidity for businesses navigating a challenging macro environment.Infrastructure expansion formed a major part of the approvals. The Cabinet sanctioned a ship repair facility at Vadinar with an investment of Rs 1,570 crore, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.Railway capacity augmentation projects also featured prominently, with approvals for:
- Nagda–Mathura 3rd and 4th line (Rs 16,403 crore),
- Guntakal–Wadi 3rd and 4th line (Rs 4,758 crore),
- Burhwal–Sitapur 3rd and 4th line (Rs 2,276 crore).
These projects are aimed at easing congestion, improving freight movement and supporting industrial growth corridors.The Cabinet also advanced India’s semiconductor ambitions with approvals for two units –Crystal Matrix Ltd (Rs 3,068 crore) and Suchi Semicon Pvt Ltd (Rs 868 crore)–reinforcing efforts to build domestic electronics manufacturing capacity.In addition, a policy decision was also taken to strengthen the Supreme Court.
