Vadodara Municipal Corporation Unveils Rs 7,609 Crore Budget for 2026-27
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has presented a comprehensive budget of Rs 7,609 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, marking a significant milestone with the inclusion of a long-awaited plan to construct a new headquarters. This proposal comes nearly two decades after it was first introduced, reflecting a major step forward for the civic body's administrative infrastructure.
No Tax Hikes Amid Political Caution
In a move viewed as politically cautious ahead of the upcoming civic polls later this year, the VMC did not propose any tax hikes in its budget. Officials noted that even if a tax increase had been suggested, it was unlikely to gain approval from the elected wing, highlighting the sensitivity of financial decisions in the pre-election period.
New Headquarters: A Two-Decade Journey
The proposal for a new headquarters was first introduced in the 2008-09 budget with a token allocation of just Re 1. After years of deliberation, the VMC has now allocated Rs 150 crore for this project, aiming to shift operations from the current heritage Khanderao Market building. This historic structure, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and designed by renowned architect Robert Chisholm, cannot accommodate expansions or structural alterations, necessitating a modern alternative.
VMC commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu stated that the new building will be planned near Sayaji Nagar Gruh, with potential locations under consideration since September last year. He emphasized that the design is focused on a modern corporate-style building to meet contemporary administrative needs.
Preserving Heritage While Embracing Modernity
Khanderao Market, originally conceived as a combined civic and commercial space to allow citizens to handle civic work while shopping, will be conserved and developed as a heritage building. After independence, the VMC continued operating from these premises, even as it transitioned from a municipality to a municipal corporation in 1961. Over the years, increased staff and corporators have created a pressing demand for larger office space, exacerbated by the dilapidated state of an adjoining wing constructed later.
Boosting Citizen Engagement Through Sports and Wellness
Beyond infrastructure, the VMC's budget for 2026-27 includes ambitious projects to enhance citizen engagement. The plan features four new sports complexes, upgrades to three existing ones, a cricket ground, and four new swimming pools. Additionally, fourteen new libraries and an equal number of yoga centres are proposed, ensuring one such facility in each ward, mostly in existing gardens.
Parks, Ponds, and Community Spaces
Theme-based parks will include a happiness park at Bil, a glow garden in Gotri, fountain parks at Gotri and Nimeta, and a new garden in Vemali. Ajwa Safari Park is also set for development, while ten ponds, including Bapod and Sursagar, will undergo renovation. Linear parks are planned along Sevasi, Bhayli, and Chhani canals to provide green spaces for residents.
Cultural and Wildlife Initiatives
New auditoriums are proposed in Sama, Manjalpur, and Sevasi, with community halls in Sama, Harni, Tandalja, and Gajrawadi to foster cultural activities. In a unique move, crocodile observation zones will be set up along the Vishwamitri river, offering safer wildlife viewing opportunities for residents and promoting environmental awareness.
This budget underscores the VMC's commitment to balancing heritage conservation with modern development, all while avoiding tax burdens on citizens and focusing on holistic urban improvement.
