Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s 2025-26 Budget Allocates ₹1 Lakh Crore for Key Development Projects
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Rs.1 Lakh Crore Budget for 2025-26: A Historic Shift for the National Capital
March 24, 2025 — Delhi‘s newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has presented its first budget under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for the fiscal year 2025-26. With a hefty Rs.1 lakh crore allocation, the budget aims to address long-standing issues, improve infrastructure, enhance women’s safety, and tackle pollution. CM Gupta has described the document as “historic”, claiming it will restore Delhi’s economic health after a decade of mismanagement by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Key Highlights of Delhi Budget 2025-26
The Rs.1 lakh crore budget represents an increase of 31.5% from the previous year’s allocations, signaling the BJP government’s ambitious plans for the capital’s growth. Below are the key focus areas outlined by CM Rekha Gupta during her budget presentation in the Delhi Assembly.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Boost
A major emphasis in this year’s budget is on infrastructure development. CM Gupta announced that the capital expenditure has been doubled to Rs.28,000 crore, a significant step toward improving roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure across the city. The government is also setting aside Rs.1,000 crore to enhance connectivity between Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Additionally, Rs.3,843 crore has been allocated to the development of roadways and bridge infrastructure, which will focus on modernizing existing roads and building new ones. This is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve overall mobility.
Women’s Safety and Welfare
Women’s welfare is another crucial component of the Delhi Budget 2025-26. CM Gupta announced Rs.5,100 crore for the ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’, a program aimed at supporting women in the capital. Through this initiative, eligible women will receive Rs.2,500 per month to help them lead more financially secure lives.
In an effort to improve women’s safety, the government plans to install 50,000 CCTV cameras across Delhi, bolstering security and reducing crime in public spaces.
Environmental and Pollution Control Initiatives
In a bid to tackle the city’s pollution crisis, Rs.300 crore has been allocated specifically for pollution control measures. Additionally, the environment and forest department will receive Rs.506 crore for implementing various green initiatives across the city.
One of the most pressing concerns for Delhi residents is the state of the Yamuna River, which has been plagued by pollution for years. The government has pledged Rs.500 crore for its clean-up, with a focus on decentralizing the operation of 40 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to ensure that only treated water enters the river.
Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation
A substantial amount of Rs.9,000 crore has been earmarked for clean drinking water and sanitation improvements. In addition, Rs.500 crore has been allocated for the repair and upgrade of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), with another Rs.250 crore designated for replacing old sewer lines. This funding will help address the city’s ongoing water and sanitation challenges, ensuring cleaner water and improved public health.
Education and Empowerment
Education is another cornerstone of CM Gupta’s vision for Delhi’s future. A new program inspired by PM Shri Schools, the ‘CM Shri Schools’, will be launched with a Rs.100 crore allocation. In an effort to promote education and technology, the government will provide free laptops to 1,200 students who pass their Class 10 exams, with a total fund of Rs.750 crore for this initiative.
Furthermore, Rs.210 crore has been allocated for expecting mothers in Delhi, offering nutrient kits and an allowance of Rs.21,000 to ensure better maternal health.
Transport and Infrastructure Expansion
The transport sector is another major focus of the 2025-26 budget. A massive Rs.12,952 crore has been allocated for improving public transport systems, including metro expansion, buses, and enhancing commuter experience. To reduce corruption, CM Gupta also announced that the government will issue free bus ride cards for women, replacing the current pink tickets.
Additionally, Rs.100 crore has been earmarked for a pilot project to remove overhead power lines and shift high-tension cables underground, improving both aesthetics and safety in Delhi.
Economic Reforms and Criticizing AAP’s Legacy
While presenting the budget, CM Gupta took a swipe at the AAP government’s legacy, accusing it of economic mismanagement and failing to deliver on promises. She claimed that Delhi had “gone down in every aspect of development” over the last decade, and that the BJP-led government would restore the city to its former glory.
She specifically criticized the AAP for failing students by manipulating results and creating an illusion of progress in education, a claim which sparked further controversy.
A Historic Beginning for the BJP Government
Ahead of the budget presentation, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta expressed confidence that this budget would meet the expectations of the people of Delhi. His optimism was echoed by Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, who described the budget as a “historic document” that would lead to significant changes for the people of Delhi.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Better Delhi
CM Rekha Gupta’s first budget for the Delhi government signals a strong commitment to transforming the national capital. With substantial investments in infrastructure, women’s welfare, education, and pollution control, this Rs.1 lakh crore budget reflects a bold new direction under BJP governance. Whether it will live up to the high expectations set by the government remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a significant shift in Delhi’s development priorities.