Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to unveil its Budget Estimates for 2025-26 on Tuesday, February 4, at 11:00 am in the municipal headquarters' assembly hall. The budget presentation will begin with the Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), Dr Amit Saini, outlining the Education Department's financial plan to Municipal Administrator Bhushan Gagrani. Following this, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), Abhijit Bangar, will present the overall budget estimates to Gagrani.
Key Infrastructure Projects To Likely Get Good Funds
This will be the third consecutive budget since BMC’s elected general body was dissolved in March 2022, with Gagrani continuing to oversee civic operations. The upcoming budget is expected to prioritise major infrastructure projects, particularly the Mumbai Coastal Road (Phase 2), connecting Versova to Dahisar and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), as they near completion. Civic officials anticipate substantial allocations to these projects, emphasizing their role in transforming the city’s connectivity.
A key focus of the budget will be the ongoing construction of seven Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Mumbai, a massive initiative costing Rs 30,000 crore. These STPs are critical to improving wastewater management and addressing environmental concerns in the city.
Key Takeaways From Budget 2024-25
Looking back at the 2024-25 budget, BMC refrained from introducing new taxes while presenting a record-high allocation of Rs 59,954.75 crore. It earmarked major funds for major projects, including a Rs 1,200 crore provision for free medicines in civic hospitals.
The health sector saw a notable budget increase, from Rs 6,309 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 7,191 crore in 2024-25, reflecting the corporation’s focus on public healthcare. Other allocations included Rs 340 crore for footpath, lane and bylane upgrades and Rs 100 crore towards enhancing women’s security in the city.
Hopes High From This Year's Budget
For the 2025-26 budget, civic authorities sought public feedback, receiving around 2,700 responses. Many of these submissions highlighted concerns about the deteriorating quality of BEST bus services, indicating possible budgetary attention to public transport improvements.
With expectations high, the upcoming BMC budget will likely continue its emphasis on large-scale infrastructure projects, healthcare and citizen-focused initiatives, shaping Mumbai’s urban development in the coming year.
