"Bullet- speed development will become Delhi’s reality”: CM Rekha Gupta presents ₹1 lakh crore Delhi budget

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented a ₹1 lakh crore Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 31.5% increase from the previous year. Calling it a "historic Budget," Ms Gupta said the era of "corruption and inefficiency" was over.

"This is not an ordinary Budget; this Budget is the first step to develop Delhi, which was ruined in the past 10 years," Ms Gupta said, blaming the previous AAP government for "mismanaging the city’s economy". She said, "Delhi went down in every aspect of development in the past decade. The previous government ruined the economic health of the national capital like termites."

Budget Boost For Infrastructure

Infrastructure development is the key focus of the Delhi Budget. CM Rekha Gupta said that infrastructure means "Traffic-free expressways, seamless connectivity, elevated corridors, and smart surveillance systems — that’s infrastructure".

CM Rekha Gupta said that around ₹12,000 crore has been allocated for the repair of roads and flyovers in Delhi, and there will be a new addition of 5,000 new electric buses. The Delhi government is also allocating ₹1,000 crore to improve transport links within Delhi-NCR, including elevated corridors and expressways to reduce traffic congestion.

Yamuna Cleaning & Water Management

Yamuna cleaning, which was one of the BJP's key poll promises, is the other key focus of the Delhi Budget. CM Rekha Gupta said "the Yamuna was burdened with sewage and pollution", adding that the BJP government was dedicated to restoring the cleanliness of the river.

Health and Women's Welfare

Delhi CM also allocated ₹6,874 crore to healthcare, with a focus on expanding health and wellness centres and strengthening the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative. For women's welfare, ₹5,100 crore has been allocated to provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women. To enhance women's safety, the government will install 50,000 CCTV cameras across the city.

"There is a lot of difference between us and them (AAP). You (AAP) made 'Sheesh Mahal' for yourself; we will build houses for the poor. You installed pot toilets worth lakhs; we will make toilets for the people in slum areas," Ms Gupta said, contrasting her government’s priorities with those of the AAP government.

Calling Yamuna "more than just a river, and cultural heritage", Delhi CM announced a ₹500 crore mission. She said the allocated funds will be used for the development of 40 decentralised sewage plants, ensuring that no untreated sewage flows directly into the Yamuna.

Educational Reforms

Education received a significant push in the Delhi Budget. The government of the National Capital Territory plans to launch CM SHRI Schools, inspired by PM SHRI Schools and aligned with the New Education Policy, with ₹100 crore allocated for the project. CM Gupta also claimed that "The AAP government failed many students in 9th and 11th standard so that their 10th and 12th results appear better."

To support students, CM Gupta further added that the government will be “distributing free laptops to 1,200 students who pass Class 10.” The CM added that the government will “set up language labs across Delhi and develop Narela as an education hub”.

First Budget By Rekha Gupta

This Budget is the first presented by a BJP-led government in Delhi in over 26 years, following the party's victory over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in last month’s Assembly elections.