New Delhi, March 24 – Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented a budget of Rs 1.03 lakh crore for the financial year 2026-27 on Tuesday, announcing a major push in infrastructure development and reforms, while also unveiling plans to address the perennial drainage issue.
Describing it as a “Green Budget,” the Chief Minister said that 21 per cent of the total funds would be allocated to projects that promote environmental protection.
She also criticized the previous governments for their "freebie culture" and populist policies, which had resulted in slow economic growth in the national capital.
Overhauling drainage and road infrastructure
The Chief Minister announced a budgetary proposal of Rs 160 crore to improve the drainage system in the national capital, making it a pioneering initiative.
In another first, the government pledged to construct roads in non-conforming areas, with a specific allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for road construction and development.
The Modi Mill Flyover will be extended to Kalkaji at an estimated cost of Rs 371 crore. An allocation of Rs 454 crore has been made for constructing two-lane roads on both sides of the Najafgarh drain.
Other projects include the construction of an underpass at Gagan Cinema at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, the construction of an integrated flyover from Yamuna Vihar to Bhajanpura, the underpass from Saket to Kalkaji, and the flyover extending from Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg to MG Road at a combined cost of Rs 2,000 crore.
“These initiatives will help alleviate traffic congestion in these areas,” she stated.
Scaling up housing infrastructure, schemes for the elderly
Special emphasis has been given to improving housing infrastructure in the city, while also improving amenities for senior citizens.
The 'Vayu Anand Yojana', a program dedicated to elderly citizens, will be launched, with a fund allocation of Rs 125 crore.
A fund of Rs 134 crore has been set aside for the development of slum clusters and for the establishment of 'Atal Canteens'.
The Delhi CM reiterated her government's commitment to provide "housing for all" and informed that work was already underway on renovating approximately 2,400 flats.
Women-centric schemes
The Delhi CM further announced a series of initiatives to strengthen existing infrastructure for women and revamp Aanganwadi centres into model childcare centres.
"A budget of Rs 74.06 crore has been allocated to the Department of Women and Child Development. A provision of Rs 51.10 crore has been made for the 'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana'," she said.
Raising concerns over Anganwadis located in dilapidated rented buildings, she underlined the government's pledge to transform every Anganwadi into childcare centres.
"We have allocated a fund of Rs 33 crore specifically for the Anganwadis and these childcare centres," she informed.
'Pink Cards' have been issued to facilitate free bus travel for women. This service will extend beyond women residents, and the facility of free travel on Delhi's DTC buses will also be applicable to the transgender community.
"A fund of Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the establishment of 'Mahila Haats' (Women's Markets). These markets will be named 'Rani Haats' to empower women and enable them to become self-reliant," she said, unveiling the Rs 1.03 crore Delhi Budget.