Delhi Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday unveiled the ₹1 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2025-26, outlining a vision for an efficient, well-connected, and progressive Delhi. The Budget highlights ten priority sectors, including electricity, roads, water, and connectivity, with a sharp rise in capital expenditure to accelerate infrastructure development.
A Historic Budget for a New Delhi
Calling it a “historic Budget,” CM Gupta emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and development. She stated that the new financial plan marks a shift from “corruption and mismanagement” of the past decade, ensuring better governance and faster execution of key projects.
A major highlight of the Budget is the doubling of capital expenditure to ₹28,000 crore, which will be invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, sewer systems, and water supply. This move signifies the government’s focus on revamping Delhi’s urban landscape and enhancing basic amenities for residents.
Massive Boost for Transport and Infrastructure
₹28,000 crore allocated to capital expenditure, double the previous year’s amount, ensuring better roads, improved sewer systems, and enhanced water supply.
₹1,000 crore set aside for improving transport connectivity between Delhi and NCR.
₹12,952 crore allocated for transport development, including modernizing public transport and enhancing traffic management.
₹100 crore earmarked for a pilot project to remove overhead electrical lines and shift high-tension power lines underground for safety and efficiency.
Major Welfare Measures for Women
A significant ₹5,100 crore allocation to provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social support initiatives.
Pink tickets for free bus rides will be replaced with smart cards to prevent misuse and improve efficiency.
Healthcare and Sanitation Take Center Stage
₹2,144 crore allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring better medical services and healthcare infrastructure in the capital.
₹9,000 crore earmarked for clean drinking water and sanitation projects to improve access to basic amenities for all residents.
₹500 crore dedicated to the repair and upgradation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), while ₹250 crore has been set aside for replacing old sewer lines.
Education and Youth Development
The Delhi government will launch new ‘CM Shri Schools’, with ₹100 crore allocated to enhance education infrastructure.
1,200 students passing Class X will receive free laptops, with an allocation of ₹750 crore for the scheme, aimed at bridging the digital divide.
Boost for Business and Investment
CM Gupta announced the formation of a “Traders’ Welfare Board”, which will work towards supporting local businesses and traders.
A ‘Global Investment Summit’ will be held every two years to attract investors and boost economic growth in Delhi.
Environment and Pollution Control Measures
₹300 crore allocated to tackle air pollution, a longstanding issue for the capital.
₹506 crore set aside for the environment and forest department to improve green cover and conservation efforts.
Cultural and Animal Welfare Initiatives
The Delhi government will host an ‘International Film Festival’, with ₹30 crore allocated for the event, aimed at promoting cultural tourism and creative industries.
₹40 crore allocated to establish modern cow shelters in Ghummanhera, focusing on animal welfare and improved livestock management.
Municipal Development and Civic Improvements
₹6,897 crore allotted to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to strengthen urban governance, sanitation, and public services.
A Roadmap for Growth and Prosperity
With record-high allocations for infrastructure, welfare, healthcare, and business, the Delhi government’s Budget 2025-26 aims to transform the city into a modern and progressive urban hub. CM Gupta’s financial plan focuses on inclusive growth, better public services, and an improved quality of life for all Delhiites.
