Delhi's 2026-27 Budget: A Green Initiative with Major Infrastructure Plans
Delhi's Ambitious Budget Unveiled
On Tuesday, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta revealed a substantial budget of ₹1.03 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, emphasizing a focus on infrastructure development, governance reforms, and welfare initiatives. Dubbed a “Green Budget,” Gupta highlighted that 21% of the total budget is earmarked for environmental conservation. During her address, she noted that Delhi is advancing swiftly under a “triple-engine government,” while criticizing past administrations for fostering a “freebie culture” and ineffective governance that hindered progress. “Delhi possesses a unique identity - it continues to thrive despite numerous setbacks,” she remarked, referencing Maa Durga and other deities. Live Updates Here.
Key Developments: Integrated Secretariat and Urban Revitalization
Integrated Secretariat, Housing Push, Chandni Chowk Revamp
A significant highlight of the budget is the proposal for a new Integrated Secretariat, along with housing solutions for government officials. Gupta criticized the former government for prioritizing personal projects over essential housing for officers. Additionally, a comprehensive revamp of Chandni Chowk is planned, which includes burying overhead wires. A budget of ₹200 crore has been allocated for similar urban enhancement projects throughout the city. The power department is set to receive ₹3,942 crore, with subsidies continuing, and solar panels will be installed over drains as part of the green initiative.
Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure Expansion
Drainage Masterplan, Waterlogging Focus
To address flooding issues, the government introduced a new drainage masterplan, described by CM Gupta as the "first in 50 years." An allocation of ₹610 crore has been designated for waterlogging prevention. Gupta asserted that desilting efforts last year prevented flooding in Delhi, despite high water levels. The budget for the Delhi Jal Board remains steady at ₹9,000 crore.
Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth
Big Infra Push
Infrastructure development is a primary focus, with plans to pave 750 km of roads backed by a ₹1,392 crore allocation. The Barapullah corridor will receive an additional ₹210 crore, with completion expected by June. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been allocated ₹11,666 crore, while the Public Works Department (PWD) will receive ₹5,921 crore. Urban development and housing initiatives will see an investment of ₹7,800 crore, alongside a ₹300 crore plan for trans-Yamuna development.
Healthcare and Economic Projections
Health, Economy, Income Growth
Gupta projected that Delhi's contribution to the national GDP will increase from 3.67% to 3.72%. The per capita income, currently around ₹5 lakh, is anticipated to rise to ₹5.3 lakh by 2027, positioning it among the highest in India. In the health sector, ₹674 crore has been allocated to the fire department following recent emergencies. The government plans to establish 750 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with a budget of ₹1,500 crore, and ₹202 crore has been set aside to include transgender individuals in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. GTB Hospital will also see the establishment of a new trauma center. Furthermore, medical education will expand, increasing undergraduate seats to 820 and postgraduate seats to 754. A new ANMOL scheme has been allocated ₹25 crore, along with initiatives for genetic blood testing, a digital blood donation diary, and a real-time ventilator bed monitoring system.
Additional Initiatives
Other Announcements
MLAs will receive ₹350 crore for constituency development. The government also plans to construct foot-over bridges and continue investing in civic infrastructure. Gupta emphasized that the budget aims to strike a balance between development and sustainability, despite the absence of opposition members during her address.(This copy will carry more updates shortly)