India's Union Budget 2026-27 is likely to impose a restrained Demand for Grants on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), holding at or below FY26's Rs 2.87 lakh crore amid fiscal consolidation, subdued FY25 construction (under 10,000 km), NHAI's Rs 3.35 lakh crore debt, and land acquisition delays. Funds may reallocate to urban infrastructure (Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund), nuclear energy (Rs 20,000 crore for SMRs), pulses self-sufficiency, private BOT models, asset monetization via TOT/NHIT (targeting Rs 54,000 crore), MSME credit guarantees up to Rs 20 crore, defense, and rural logistics, signaling a shift from GBS-heavy highway capex to Atmanirbhar priorities like energy transition and private investment. Highway targets could hit a 7-year low at 10,000 km, emphasizing quality amid rising costs.