India, Feb. 1 -- Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in Assam are likely to emerge as key beneficiaries of the Union Budget 2026-27, as the Centre has renewed its focus on improving infrastructure, civic amenities and connectivity in smaller urban centres, officials said on February 1.

The Budget lays out a targeted strategy to upgrade towns and temple-centric urban areas that have long lagged behind metropolitan cities in access to basic services. Officials said this direction closely reflects Assam's urban growth pattern, where much of the population and economic expansion is occurring in emerging cities rather than large metros.

Beyond urban infrastructure, the Budget's strong emphasis on micro, small and medium enterprises is expected to provi...