Delhi Police Receives 4.78% Budget Boost in 2026-27 Union Budget, Prioritizing Modernization
In a significant move to bolster law enforcement capabilities in the National Capital Region, the Union Budget for 2026-27 has allocated Rs 12,846.1 crore to the Delhi Police. This represents a 4.78% increase from the previous fiscal year's allocation of Rs 12,259.1 crore, continuing a trend of steady, incremental growth in funding for the force.
Strategic Allocation for Routine and Modernization Needs
The enhanced budgetary provision is designed to address both routine operational expenditures and strategic modernization initiatives. A substantial portion of the funds will be directed towards covering day-to-day costs, including salaries, pensions, and general administrative expenses. However, the budget also earmarks resources for specific schemes aimed at transforming policing infrastructure across Delhi and the broader NCR.
Key focus areas include:
- Development of a model traffic management system to tackle mounting congestion and improve road safety.
- Strengthening of an integrated communication network to enhance coordination among police units and other law enforcement agencies.
- Upgrading technological capabilities and installing advanced traffic signals at critical junctions.
- Training personnel to handle emerging challenges in urban policing, such as cybercrime and crowd management.
Addressing Critical Urban Policing Challenges
Delhi Police shoulders the immense responsibility of maintaining law and order in the National Capital Territory, a task that encompasses traffic regulation, crime control, counter-terror operations, and security during major public events. With Delhi experiencing steady population growth, a rising number of vehicles, and increasing interconnectivity with surrounding NCR cities, the force has consistently highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and technology-driven policing solutions.
The 2026-27 allocation places particular emphasis on traffic management, an area that has emerged as a critical concern due to frequent accidents, expanding road networks, and persistent congestion in Delhi-NCR. The proposed model traffic system is expected to focus on better signal coordination, real-time monitoring, and improved enforcement mechanisms to streamline mobility and enhance public safety.
Historical Context of Budgetary Trends
In recent years, budgetary allocations to the Delhi Police have followed a pattern of gradual increases rather than sharp jumps. This trend reflects a deliberate approach to keep pace with inflation, salary revisions, and expanding operational demands. For instance:
- The allocation for 2025-26 was Rs 12,259.1 crore.
- In 2024-25, the force received approximately Rs 11,300 crore.
- The 2023-24 budget stood at around Rs 10,800 crore.
This steady rise underscores the government's commitment to supporting the force's evolving needs while ensuring fiscal prudence. The latest increase to Rs 12,846.1 crore in 2026-27 is poised to further empower Delhi Police in its mission to safeguard one of India's most dynamic and populous urban regions.
