Rare Earth Corridors to Reduce Import Dependence

The Union Budget 2026 announced the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in mineral-rich states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to promote mining, processing, research, and manufacturing of rare earth elements, reducing import dependence and boosting strategic sectors like electric vehicles, renewables, defense, and electronics.This represents a new bureaucratic trend toward cluster-based, challenge-driven development in critical minerals, involving coordination between central and state administrations.