Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Navin Makhija, Managing Director of The Wadhwa Group said, “The real estate sector anticipates critical reforms from the Union Budget 2025-26 that can accelerate growth and further strengthen its contribution to India’s economic progress. The following measures would not only enhance affordability but also bring renewed momentum to the housing sector:

· To boost homeownership across income segments, we urge the government to allow interest payments on home loans to be set off against individual income tax liabilities. This move will significantly reduce the financial burden on homebuyers and serve as a strong incentive for prospective buyers, ultimately stimulating demand in the residential real estate market.

· Reviving the 80-IB tax benefit for developers undertaking affordable housing projects is crucial. This provision will incentivize developers to launch more affordable housing projects, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Housing for All.’ The benefit will also ensure increased supply in this category, meeting the ever-growing demand for budget-friendly homes.

· To make housing truly affordable, an interest subsidy for developers of affordable housing projects would be a welcome step. This will enable developers to access funding at lower costs, reducing the overall cost of projects. Consequently, this benefit will be passed on to end-users, making homeownership more accessible to economically weaker sections and middle-income groups.

The real estate sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and employment generation. We hope the Union Budget 2025-26 addresses these expectations and introduces reforms that empower both homebuyers and developers while contributing to the overall growth of the economy.”

Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO of Sciative Solutions said, “I am optimistic about Budget 2025 and its potential to address critical challenges while fostering growth. Key expectations include enhanced connectivity through investments in air, rail, and road infrastructure, particularly to improve access to tier-2 and tier-3 cities via new airports, railway lines, and highways.

The hospitality sector is hopeful for a reduction in GST rates on hotel rooms priced above ₹7,500, which would stimulate domestic and international tourism. Whereas, for intercity passenger mobility, a standardized national regulatory framework is essential to replace the fragmented state-specific rules, promoting fair competition and creating a level playing field.

Additionally, I strongly believe that there should be emphasis on electric mobility, with subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure development for electric buses, would support a sustainable transition to greener fleets. These measures would not only address current challenges but also pave the way for long-term growth and sustainability in the travel and hospitality industry.”

Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Samrath Singh Kochar, Founder and CEO of Trontek, said, “With the Union Budget around the corner, we hope to see a robust push for the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage sectors, aligning with India’s goals for a sustainable and energy-efficient future. As India’s EV industry grows, the need for high-quality, long-lasting batteries becomes even more critical. We believe the upcoming budget should continue to incentivize the development and adoption of advanced battery technologies, ensuring that we remain self-reliant and reduce dependency on imports. Furthermore, support for sustainable energy storage solutions will empower not just EVs, but also other sectors such as renewable energy and backup power systems.”