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Delhi CM Rekha Gupta tables Rs 1.03 lakh crore Budget with focus on roads, environment

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the annual Budget for the 2026-27 financial year in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, proposing a total outlay of Rs 1,03,700 crore.

This marks her second Budget for the national capital. Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta congratulated her, saying, “The CM, Rekha Gupta, is presenting the Budget for 2026-27. Congratulations to her on presenting her second Delhi Budget.”

Addressing the Assembly, CM Gupta highlighted Delhi’s resilience and economic strength, saying, “Our city, Delhi, has a unique identity — its creative power — showing how it has been repeatedly challenged, yet has stood firm and succeeded.” She added, “Delhi witnessed a difficult phase for many years. Despite corruption, narrow thinking, and vote bank politics in the past, the city is now progressing rapidly — where not only announcements are made, but development is visible not just in data, but in people’s lives. Delhi is moving ahead at triple-engine speed.”

CM Gupta also elaborated on Delhi’s economic performance, stating, “The Economic Survey shows that Delhi’s enterprising citizens and vibrant economy have driven growth faster than the national average. However, structural weaknesses and a culture of freebies during 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2025 affected growth. During this period, startups and high-skilled manpower moved away from the city, leading to a revenue decline and stagnation in per capita income relative to the national average. In 2024-25, Delhi’s GSDP grew by 8.9 per cent to Rs 12.13 lakh crore, and in 2025-26, it is expected to grow by 9.8 per cent to reach Rs 13.27 lakh crore.”

She credited the progress to central guidance, stating, “This reflects our vision, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and foresight have contributed significantly to Delhi’s economic growth.”

On fiscal indicators, CM Gupta said, “In 2024-25, Delhi’s contribution to national GDP increased from 3.67 per cent to a projected 3.72 per cent in 2025-26. Under our government, per capita income has crossed Rs 5 lakh and is expected to reach Rs 5.3 lakh by 2025-26. Delhi is now ranked third in the country in terms of per capita income.”

The revised Budget estimate for FY 2025-26 stood at Rs 99,310 crore, including Rs 66,710 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs 32,600 crore for capital expenditure. CM Gupta recalled, “Last year, I presented a historic Budget of Rs 1 lakh crore. For a decade, capital expenditure in Delhi remained between Rs 7,000 crore and Rs 15,000 crore, which was insufficient. We broke this trend, and in 2025-26, capital expenditure increased to Rs 28,115 crore — a historic rise.”

For FY 2026-27, the proposed Budget includes Rs 74,000 crore from tax revenue, Rs 900 crore from non-tax revenue, Rs 3,931 crore from centrally sponsored schemes, Rs 592 crore from the Central Road Fund, and Rs 16,700 crore through market borrowings at relatively low interest rates.

Highlighting infrastructure priorities, CM Gupta said, “Our goal is seamless connectivity, climate-resilient corridors, and technically safe roads. For overall development, I propose Rs 5,921 crore for the PWD and Rs 7,887 crore for the Urban Development and Housing Department.” She added, “Delhi has 1,400 kilometres of roads. Last year, we constructed 400 kilometres. This year, we aim to carpet 750 kilometres end-to-end, making Delhi’s roads dust-free.”

The Chief Minister also emphasised environmental priorities, stating, “We have presented Delhi’s Budget as a ‘green Budget’ this year, reviewing every scheme through a green lens. In every vision, we have prioritised the environment and future generations. About 21 per cent of the total Budget is allocated for green initiatives, which will improve environmental outcomes. This Budget represents a shift in thinking and balances development needs with environmental responsibility.”

The Budget reflects the government’s focus on sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, and continued economic growth in the national capital.

IANS