Pune News: PCMC presents Rs 9,675.27 Cr budget for 2025-26 with major infra boost

Pimpri: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Shekhar Singh presented the municipal budget for the financial year 2025-26 before the Standing Committee on Friday, February 21. The budget outlines an estimated expenditure of Rs 6,256.39 crore, while the total outlay, including state and centrally sponsored schemes, stands at Rs 9,675.27 crore. Notably, this year’s budget incorporates two innovative features—citizen participation and climate budgeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Shekhar Singh expressed gratitude to the citizens for their active engagement in the budget process. “We received 2,279 suggestions from citizens, of which 786 have been incorporated into the budget. This participatory approach ensures that our budget aligns with the city’s developmental needs,” he said.

For the ongoing fiscal year 2024-25, the projected revenue, including the opening balance, is Rs 5,841 crore. For 2025-26, the expected revenue stands at Rs 6,256.39 crore, with estimated expenditure at Rs 6,251.39 crore, leaving a closing balance of Rs 5 crore by March 2026.

To enhance property tax collection efficiency, PCMC is deploying advanced digital tools, including drone-based imaging. The upcoming year will see a strong focus on strengthening civic infrastructure, with major projects such as the PCMC City Centre, Annasaheb Magar Stadium, Samvidhan Bhavan, Industrial Training Centre for Excellence, a new administrative building, and DP Road developments. Mobility improvements will focus on junction upgrades and green bridges.

Water supply projects, including the Bhama Askhed Water Supply Scheme and the Pavana Water Pipeline Project, will receive significant allocations. Other major initiatives include drainage system upgrades, enhanced fire safety infrastructure, climate action planning, integrated solid waste management, and river rejuvenation efforts under the Mula-Pavana-Indrayani River Rejuvenation Project.

Additionally, PCMC is expanding educational infrastructure, deploying CCTV monitoring systems in schools, setting up new municipal schools, and developing the Talawade Biodiversity Park and Bahinabai Choudhary Zoological Park.

Key Developmental Allocations

Significant provisions have been made for infrastructure projects across different administrative zones, with allocations as follows:

• A Zone: Rs 15.06 crore
• B Zone: Rs 7.99 crore
• C Zone: Rs 18.94 crore
• D Zone: Rs 18.97 crore
• E Zone: Rs 10.35 crore
• F Zone: Rs 25.96 crore
• G Zone: Rs 10.63 crore
• H Zone: Rs 30.22 crore

Launch of Climate Budgeting Framework

PCMC has introduced a Climate Budgeting Framework, joining global cities like Oslo, London, and New York in integrating long-term climate resilience with financial planning. Every rupee allocated in this budget aims to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen climate adaptability. So far, 324 municipal officials across six departments have undergone climate budgeting training.

Maharashtra’s first Municipal Green Bond initiative

PCMC continues its commitment to innovative revenue generation. Having raised Rs 200 crore through municipal bonds in July 2023 for the Mula River Rejuvenation Project, PCMC is now set to launch Maharashtra’s first municipal green bond. This will fund the Harit Setu Project, developing the Telco Road stretch from Gawali Matha Chowk to Indrayani Nagar Chowk.

Budget Highlights

• Infrastructure Development: Rs 1,962.72 crore
• Special Urban Projects: Rs 753.56 crore
• Affordable Housing (BSUP): Rs 1,898 crore
• Gender Budget (Women-Centric Schemes): Rs 83 crore
• Welfare of Persons with Disabilities: Rs 62.09 crore
• Water Supply Infrastructure: Rs 300 crore
• Public Transport (PMPML): Rs 417 crore
• Land Acquisition: Rs 100 crore
• Encroachment Prevention: Rs 10 crore
• Smart City Initiatives: Rs 50 crore
• AMRUT 2.0 Scheme: Rs 55.48 crore

Vision for 2025-26

• Strengthening financial sustainability and accountability
• Enhancing smart governance and public service delivery
• Promoting education and skill development
• Building a sustainable and climate-resilient urban ecosystem
• Ensuring social equity and community welfare

“This budget reflects our commitment to making Pimpri Chinchwad an internationally recognized, sustainable, and progressive city. Our financial planning prioritizes infrastructure, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for our citizens.”, informed Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.