Delhi’s Rs 1,03,700 crore budget targets roads, water and urban development

Delhi Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the Budget for the 2026-27 financial year with a total outlay of about Rs 1,03,700 crore, stating that the national capital is progressing rapidly with a “triple engine” government.

Describing it as a “green budget”, Gupta said the city is passing through a phase of transition. She said a “culture of freebies” had affected the growth rate and added that the period between 2018 and 2020 saw a fall in revenue.

The budget estimates tax revenue of Rs 74,000 crore, while Rs 11,666 crore has been allocated to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Gupta also said Delhi’s per capita income is the third highest in the country.

In the infrastructure sector, Rs 5,921 crore has been earmarked for the public works department (PWD), while urban development and shelter projects have been allocated Rs 7,887 crore.

“Our aim is safe roads, climate corridors and flawless connectivity,” Gupta said.

The government has allocated Rs 3,942 crore for the power department. Gupta said work is underway on the removal of overhead wiring, with Rs 200 crore set aside for this purpose.

An amount of Rs 300 crore has been announced for the development of the trans-Yamuna area, while the Delhi Gram Vikas Board has been allocated Rs 787 crore.

Gupta announced Rs 1,352 crore for developing dust-free roads, including end-to-end recarpeting of 750 km of roads across the city.

The budget earmarks Rs 160 crore for industrial area development, marking the first such allocation for non-conforming areas.

Around Rs 454 crore has been allocated for the Najafgarh drain, while Rs 350 crore has been provided for the MLA Local Area Development Scheme.

In addition, Rs 151 crore has been allocated in the current financial year for extending the Modi Mill flyover up to the Kalkaji and Savitri Cinema intersection, with the total project cost estimated at Rs 371 crore.

The city government will also build an integrated secretariat and residential complex for employees.

Referring to the Palam fire incident, Gupta said narrow lanes and congested unauthorised colonies make firefighting difficult. She added that Delhi’s firefighting infrastructure will be strengthened with an allocation of Rs 674 crore.

On water management, Gupta said new pipeline projects are underway. The budget allocates Rs 9,000 crore to the Delhi Jal Board for water and sewage management.

She said no resident has to hassle for water and stand in line for water tanker, with Rs 475 crore allocated for the Chandrawal water treatment plant.