Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Presents Historic Rs 1 Lakh Crore Budget for 2025-26

In her maiden Budget on Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a historic Rs 1 lakh crore outlay for the 2025-26 fiscal year — the first time the Capital’s Budget has reached this figure, with substantial support from the Centre.

Under the AAP government, the Budget had previously touched a high of Rs 78,800 crore in 2023-24, dropping to Rs 76,000 crore in 2024-25. Gupta, also serving as Finance Minister, highlighted the substantial contribution from the Centre for Delhi’s development, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “double engine sarkar” narrative. Central funding for the Capital’s growth has increased from Rs 4,391 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 11,469 crore in 2025-26.

The BJP government also increased the loan amount for the National Small Savings Fund from Rs 10,000 crore in 2024-25 (which did not materialize) to Rs 15,000 crore, marking a joint effort to “transform the Capital” within three years. According to BJP sources, Modi has instructed both the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure a “visible and tangible change” in the city’s infrastructure.

Gupta described the Budget as a historic milestone, stating, “This is not just any normal Budget. Our Budget is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principles of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’.” She emphasized the focus on infrastructure development, with capital expenditure for the year doubled to Rs 28,000 crore, up from Rs 15,089 crore in 2024-25.

In her address, Gupta criticized the previous AAP government, stating that the condition of Delhi had deteriorated under their leadership. She pointed to issues like the dilapidated state of DTC services, broken roads, dirty water, and poor sewerage, which had become synonymous with the city. “Delhi’s infrastructure was in poor condition, and promises to transform Delhi into London remained unfulfilled,” she added.

The Budget’s highest allocations were made to the transport sector, with Rs 11,964 crore earmarked for related projects. Social welfare schemes also received significant funding, with Rs 5,000 crore set aside for the monthly grant of Rs 2,500 for underprivileged women.

A key policy change announced was the replacement of the free bus ride scheme’s pink tickets with pink passes, which will now be restricted to Delhi residents. Currently, no proof of residence is required to avail the free bus rides.