Delhi Assembly Budget Session to Commence on March 16, 2026
The budget session of the Delhi Assembly is anticipated to start on March 16, according to officials familiar with the planning. During this session, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is expected to unveil the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. While the exact date for the budget presentation remains undecided, preparations are in full swing to ensure a comprehensive financial plan for the capital.
Pre-Budget Consultations and Review Meetings Underway
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been actively engaged in a series of review meetings with ministers and senior officials to fine-tune the budget allocations and priorities. Following departmental discussions with cabinet colleagues ahead of the Holi festival, Gupta has now initiated consultations with bureaucrats to refine the budget details. Meetings with finance department officials took place on Monday as part of the ongoing process to finalize the budget, highlighting the government's commitment to thorough planning.
Infrastructure and Public Services to Receive Major Boost
The government is likely to place a strong emphasis on strengthening infrastructure and improving public services across Delhi. Key areas expected to receive significant attention include:
- Road development to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.
- Water supply systems, with plans to replace ageing pipelines to minimize leakage and meet the city's rising water demand.
- Civic infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of sewerage networks and construction of sewage treatment plants to improve sanitation and wastewater management.
- Yamuna cleaning initiatives to address environmental concerns.
Education Sector Set for Enhanced Funding
Education is projected to be another major focus area in the 2026-27 budget. Officials indicate that the government may increase spending in this sector, with measures aimed at:
- Expanding the network of CM Shri schools to provide better access to quality education.
- Enhancing smart classroom facilities to integrate technology into learning.
- Introducing additional support for meritorious students to encourage academic excellence.
- Building new schools and strengthening existing facilities, such as libraries and laboratories, to create a conducive learning environment.
Public Transport and Pollution Control Measures Prioritized
Public transport and pollution control are also expected to receive substantial allocations in the upcoming budget. The government plans to:
- Allocate additional funds to increase the number of buses in the city, aiming to reduce vehicular pollution and improve air quality.
- Induct more electric buses, with a target of reaching 7,000 electric buses by the end of 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Delhi's public transport fleet and promote sustainable mobility.
- Earmark funds for the ongoing expansion of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation network, including works under Delhi Metro Phase IV and Phase V(A), to enhance urban connectivity.
In the previous budget, approximately 20% of the total outlay was allocated to the transport sector, and officials suggest this percentage could see a further increase in 2026-27, reflecting the government's dedication to improving public transportation infrastructure.
