Delhi Unveils Rs 1-Lakh-Crore Budget, Focus On Transport And Metro Expansion

The Delhi government on Tuesday announced a Rs 1 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, with Rs 12,952 crore allocated to transport, highways, and metro expansion, aiming to enhance connectivity and modernise the capital’s mobility infrastructure.

Calling it a "historic budget", Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said it would lay the foundation for a “New Delhi” with modern highways, an expanded metro network, and one of the world's largest electric bus fleets.

A total of Rs 3,843 crore has been set aside for improving roads and bridge infrastructure across the city, with plans for elevated corridors, expressways, and a smart traffic surveillance system. Additionally, Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated to improve connectivity between Delhi and the National Capital Region through the Central Roads Fund and Urban Development Fund.

The newly introduced Chief Minister Development Fund has been allotted Rs 1,400 crore, while Rs 350 crore has been earmarked under the MLA Local Area Development scheme for strengthening local roads, streetlights, and lanes.

The budget also provides a major boost to public transport, with Rs 2,929.66 crore allocated for Delhi Metro’s Phase-4 expansion, covering key corridors such as Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block, Inderlok-Indraprastha, and Rithala-Bawana-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli). An additional Rs 1,000 crore has been set aside for centrally funded urban transport projects.

With plans to add over 5,000 new electric buses by 2025-26, the government aims to make Delhi’s electric bus fleet one of the largest in the world. Currently, the city has 2,152 electric buses.

To support gig workers, domestic helpers, and auto and taxi drivers, the government has announced a Welfare Board for Informal Sector Workers, with an initial allocation of Rs 10 crore.

The budget also emphasises sustainable transport, with provisions for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, cycling tracks, and improved drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.

"This is a budget of action, not just announcements. Delhi’s connectivity will not just ease traffic but drive economic growth," the chief minister said in the assembly. "Now, Delhi will neither stop nor halt—it will run, it will shine, it will create history."

(With text inputs from PTI.)