The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has cut the budget for public transport and infrastructure by Rs 6,804.2 crore for the fiscal year 2025–2026. This brings the total amount down to Rs 40,187.41 crore from Rs 46,921.29 crore the year before. Despite this reduction, 87% of the budget, or Rs 35,151.14 crore, has been set aside for important infrastructure projects, road construction, and metro extension.
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairperson Eknath Shinde stated that 20 km of metro rail will be operational this year, with 50 km expected next year, and all ongoing metro projects set for completion by 2027. The budget covers the expansion of four metro corridors, including Metro Line 14 (Kanjurmarg-Badlapur), Metro Line 13 (Mira Road-Virar), Metro Line 10 (Gaimukh-Mira Road), and the Metro 5 extension from Durgadi (Kalyan) to Ulhasnagar. Additionally, major infrastructure projects such as the Gaimukh-Hotel Fountain Junction tunnel, an elevated road from Hotel Fountain Junction to Bhayandar, and the third phase of the Airoli-Katak Naka tunnel have been included. Road expansions and connectivity improvements in Mira-Bhayandar, Thane’s Ovala-Majiwada constituency, Vasai-Virar, Alibaug, and Kulgaon-Badlapur are also part of the plan.
Alongside the spending cut, MMRDA has managed to reduce its budget deficit from Rs 7,468.25 crore in FY 2024-25 to Rs 5,036.27 crore. The agency anticipates earning Rs 36,938.69 crore through various sources, including government sub-debts, borrowings, land leasing, grants, and urban transport funds. MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee reassured that despite the deficit, borrowing will ensure that ongoing and new projects continue uninterrupted, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to improving connectivity and urban infrastructure across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Source: Hindustan Times
