CM Rekha Gupta unveils Rs 1 lakh cr Delhi Budget: Key highlights and focus areas

Describing it as a "historic Budget," Gupta stated that her government is committed to transparency and efficiency, marking a shift from the "corruption and mismanagement" of the past decade.

Delhi Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the city's Rs 1 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2025-26, highlighting ten priority sectors, including electricity, roads, water, and connectivity.

Describing it as a "historic Budget," Gupta stated that her government is committed to transparency and efficiency, marking a shift from the "corruption and mismanagement" of the past decade. She announced a significant boost in capital expenditure, doubling it to Rs 28,000 crore to accelerate infrastructure projects.

The Budget marks a 31.5 percent increase from the previous year’s outlay and aims to address crucial developmental challenges in Delhi.

Here are key highlights of the Budget:

>> A key focus of the budget is capital expenditure, with Rs 28,000 crore allocated to infrastructure projects, which is double the previous year’s spending. This increased investment will be directed towards the development of roads, sewer systems, and water supply across the capital.

>> Additionally, Rs 1,000 crore has been set aside for improving transport connectivity between Delhi and NCR.

>> In a major welfare measure for women, the government has allocated Rs 5,100 crore to provide Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women, reinforcing its commitment to social support initiatives.

>> The healthcare sector has been given a boost with Rs 2,144 crore earmarked for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, aiming to enhance medical services in the capital.

>> The budget has also prioritised clean drinking water and sanitation, with an allocation of Rs 9,000 crore to improve these essential services.

>> To support business and investment, Gupta announced the formation of a "Traders' Welfare Board" and declared that a ‘Global Investment Summit’ will be held every two years to attract investors and boost economic growth.

>> CM Gupta announced that the FY26 Budget has allocated Rs 500 crore for the repair and upgradation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and Rs 250 crore for replacing old sewer lines.

>> The Delhi government also announced the opening of new 'CM Shri Schools' in the capital, with Rs 100 crore allocated for the initiative in the FY26 Budget.

>> Furthermore, the government will provide free laptops to 1,200 students passing Class X, with an allocation of Rs 750 crore for the scheme.

>> The Delhi government will host an 'International Film Festival' with an allocation of Rs 30 crore in the Budget, announced CM Gupta.

>> Modern cow shelters will be established in Ghummanhera at a cost of Rs 40 crore, announced the Chief Minister.

>> The government also allocated Rs 12,952 crore for transport development.

>> Further, Finance Minister Gupta announced that the government will replace pink tickets with smart cards for women’s free bus rides to prevent misuse.

>> The Delhi government has earmarked  Rs 100 crore for a pilot project to remove overhead electrical lines and shift high-tension power lines.

>> Also, Rs 300 crore has been allocated to tackle pollution, with an additional Rs 506 crore set aside for the environment and forest department.

>> CM Gupta also announced that the Delhi government will allot Rs 6,897 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.