The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has presented its budget for the financial year 2025-26, setting the total allocation at ₹74,427 crore. This marks a significant increase of 14.19 pc compared to the previous year’s budget of ₹65,180.79 crore.
The budget was submitted by additional municipal commissioners to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who currently serves as the state-appointed administrator of the civic body.
For the third consecutive year, the budget has been presented directly to the administrator instead of the standing committee.
A major highlight of the budget is the allocation of ₹1,000 crore for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. Recognising the financial struggles of the city's bus service, the BMC has prioritised its funding to ensure smooth operations and future development.
The funds will be used for various purposes, including infrastructure improvements, loan repayments, and procurement of buses. Additionally, the budget provides for pay revisions, Diwali bonuses, pensioner dues, and the implementation of an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS).
The budget documents also mention that ₹128.65 crore will be contributed by the BMC as its 5% share towards the procurement and deployment of 2,000 electric buses for Mumbai. However, it is not yet clear whether this amount is included in the ₹1,000 crore assistance or is a separate allocation.
Furthermore, the 15th Finance Commission has sanctioned ₹992 crore for the purchase of electric buses for BEST, with a portion of this funding already disbursed.
The budget makes significant allocations across various civic departments. A total of ₹2,363.15 crore has been earmarked for water and sewerage charges, while revenue from fire services is expected to contribute ₹759.18 crore.
Additionally, ₹5,100 crore has been set aside for roads and traffic, reflecting the corporation’s focus on improving Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. The health sector has also received substantial funding, with ₹5,207.70 crore under the revenue budget and ₹2,172.73 crore under the capital budget.
In a bid to enhance environmental sustainability, the BMC has allocated ₹113.18 crore for the Environment Department. Disaster management initiatives have been assigned ₹309 crore to ensure the city's preparedness for emergencies.
Additionally, ₹18.21 crore has been set aside for security measures, which includes the installation of high-tech and AI-based CCTV systems at ward offices and hospitals.
To generate additional revenue, the BMC has also taken a policy decision to auction civic plots under the 100% Annual Statement of Rates (ASR). This initiative aims to strengthen the financial position of the civic body while ensuring effective utilisation of municipal assets.