Raipur Municipal Corporation Unveils Infrastructure-Focused Budget for 2026-27
In a significant move aimed at bridging the city's infrastructure gaps, the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) has presented its budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, projecting a surplus of Rs 139.89 lakh. The budget places a strong emphasis on capital works, with the Public Works Department (PWD) receiving the lion's share of the proposed annual expenditure of Rs 2,13,035.13 lakh, amounting to Rs 56,210.70 lakh. This allocation underscores the civic body's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure through new roads, bridges, and other development projects.
Mayor Meenal Choubey Outlines Key Infrastructure Initiatives
Presenting the budget, Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey highlighted a series of ambitious infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion across the city. The mayor detailed specific road expansion and beautification efforts, including:
- Rs 30 crore for road widening and bridge construction from SMC Hospital to Aishwarya Windmill.
- Rs 18 crore for widening and beautification of the stretch from Tatibandh to RD Tiwari School.
- Rs 5 crore for widening the road from Amapara Chowk to Hind Sporting Ground, aimed at alleviating pressure in Lakhe Nagar and Sarathi Chowk.
- Rs 4 crore to connect Pandri Cloth Market directly to the main road, linking City Centre Mall and the under-construction Unity Mall.
These projects are part of a broader push to modernize Raipur's transportation network and enhance urban aesthetics.
Water Supply and Education Receive Significant Attention
Beyond infrastructure, the budget prioritizes critical services such as water supply and education. Mayor Choubey announced a major investment in water treatment, proposing a new 150 MLD water treatment plant in Dunda at a cost of Rs 130.61 crore. This facility is expected to serve the growing population in peripheral areas, complementing earlier efforts like the formation of a water board announced on January 16 to centralize monitoring of the city's water supply.
In the education sector, the budget includes initiatives for high-tech libraries, building on the success of a central library with a capacity for 500 students that opened on December 25 last year. Another 1,000-seater library is currently under construction near Government Nagarjuna Post Graduate College of Science, reflecting the RMC's focus on promoting educational excellence.
Additional Civic Projects and Social Welfare Measures
The budget also encompasses a range of other projects aimed at improving quality of life and security in Raipur. Key announcements include:
- Construction of working women's hostels at Pandri.
- Financial assistance of Rs 26.30 crore to 1,530 self-help groups through bank linkage.
- Installation of 268 CCTVs in Mathpurena and Bhathagaon residential complexes to enhance security.
- Development of a dedicated park for persons with disabilities, known as Divyang Park.
Furthermore, the mayor revealed that a techno tower project near Telibandha Chowk has received administrative approval, with construction set to begin soon. Additionally, plans are underway to route 68 lakh litres of treated water daily from the Nimora STP to an industrial unit in Tilda through a 48-km pipeline, showcasing efforts to support industrial growth and resource management.
Revenue Projections and Opposition Criticism
The RMC projects its total annual income for 2026-27 at Rs 1,92,409.12 lakh, with revenue expected to be driven primarily by taxes, grants, and capital receipts. However, the budget has not been without controversy. Leader of Opposition Akash Tiwari accused Mayor Choubey of deceiving the public, claiming that the budget statement omitted promised tax breaks and failed to fulfill announcements from previous budgets. This criticism highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding the civic body's financial planning.
Despite this, the budget reflects a clear prioritization of capital works over operational services, with core departments like water supply and sanitation receiving a smaller share compared to infrastructure projects. As Raipur continues to grow, the RMC's focus on development aims to address urban challenges and foster a more connected, secure, and educated community.
