Puducherry is preparing a major infrastructure and economic expansion as the government set priorities on connectivity, industrial development, healthcare, water security and welfare in the Legislative Assembly. The Union Territory’s overall receipts rose eight point five one per cent to Rs 133,976.9 million (mn) in 2025-26, while its own receipts increased 11.44 per cent to Rs 76,315.3 mn. Capital expenditure rose by 71.09 per cent to Rs 7,655.9 mn and the economy recorded growth of eight point one two per cent in 2025-26, above the national GDP growth rate. Among the major projects is the expansion and modernisation of Puducherry airport at an estimated investment of Rs 48,000 mn, with the runway proposed to extend from 1,500 metres to 2,300 metres to enable larger aircraft. The government flagged an IT and ITES Special Economic Zone at Thattanchavady with an estimated investment of Rs 7,250 mn and the potential to generate 30,000 jobs over the next decade. A Multi-Modal SEZ at Karasur across 213.12 acres with an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 mn is expected to create around 40,000 employment opportunities. Urban infrastructure will be supported through the Puducherry Integrated Urban Livability Improvement Project, a Rs 47,500 mn scheme backed by the Asian Development Bank covering water supply and sanitation. A World Bank assisted coastal resilience project is valued at Rs 14,330 mn and will focus on shoreline protection, ecosystem restoration, fisheries and tourism. The administration indicated social welfare would remain a priority, increasing the monthly pension under the Old Age Persons and Destitutes Pension Scheme by Rs 500 and raising assistance for women heads of BPL families from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 benefiting 63,000 women. In education, free laptops were distributed to 15,783 higher secondary students and 89,128 students received free textbooks, notebooks and uniforms. Healthcare enhancements include development of critical care blocks, upgraded diagnostic facilities, health coverage and honorarium for ASHA workers. The government said the focus will remain on infrastructure, employment, empowerment of women and youth, environment and citizen-centric governance to build Puducherry by 2047.