As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation prepares to present its 2026-27 budget today, several high-profile projects announced in last year’s Rs 74,527 crore financial plan remain delayed, downsised or quietly abandoned.
The budget, to be tabled before the standing committee after a four-year hiatus, is expected to mirror the priorities of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with emphasis on infrastructure growth, boosting revenues and strengthening Mumbai’s water supply network.
In 2025-26, nearly 58% of the total allocation was directed towards capital expenditure, primarily focused on large infrastructure works. This year’s outlay is projected to cross Rs 80,000 crore. However, many of last year’s headline announcements have seen limited or no progress.
Orange Gate–Grant Road Elevated Corridor
One of the key proposals in the previous budget was a 5.6-km elevated road linking Orange Gate near the Eastern Freeway to Grant Road, cutting across four wards. The project was allocated Rs 90 crore. Within a year of issuing the work order, the civic body proposed scrapping the corridor, citing duplication with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s planned 4.6-km tunnel between Orange Gate and Marine Drive.
Solid Waste Management User Charges
To enhance revenue, the BMC had suggested introducing new Solid Waste Management user fees under revised 2026 bylaws. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had stated that feasibility was under review.
Draft rules released in March 2025 proposed monthly charges ranging from Rs 100 for small residential units to Rs 7,500 for hotels, with a potential annual revenue of Rs 687 crore. The move sparked strong political resistance, forcing the civic body to withdraw the proposal.
Mumbai Eye And Footpath Policy
Inspired by the London Eye, the proposed Mumbai Eye tourism project remains at a conceptual stage without defined timelines.
Similarly, Rs 100 crore was set aside for the Universal Footpath Policy to enhance pedestrian infrastructure. Although tenders were issued in November 2025 to revamp 16.5 km of pavements across 14 busy locations, on-ground implementation is yet to commence.
Tiger Monument At GMLR
A Tiger Monument was also proposed within the twin tunnels of the Goregaon Mulund Link Road project in coordination with state forest and tourism departments. While work on the GMLR tunnels beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park has progressed, there has been no visible movement on the monument itself.
Source: The Indian Express
