Nagpur: Maharashtra is set to receive a substantial financial boost from the Union Budget 2026-27, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announcing on Sunday that the state will get nearly ₹1 lakh crore. This includes ₹98,306 crore as the state's share of central taxes and an additional ₹12,355 crore earmarked for specific projects across the state.
A Strong Step Toward Viksit Bharat
Fadnavis described the budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a "strong step" toward achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He emphasized that initial analysis reveals robust measures designed to stimulate investment and generate employment through strategic urbanisation, industrial expansion, entrepreneurship promotion, and infrastructure development.
Infrastructure and Urban Development Focus
The Chief Minister highlighted the Centre's ambitious plan to invest ₹12 lakh crore in infrastructure nationwide, a significant increase from previous estimates. He pointed to the integrated urbanisation strategy, which focuses on cities with populations exceeding 5 lakh, as a key initiative that will provide clear direction, accelerate progress, and secure funding for multiple sectors. Maharashtra is expected to benefit considerably from this approach.
Key Sectoral Allocations
Fadnavis noted that the budget offers substantial support for critical sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and irrigation. He also welcomed proposals for dedicated malls and industrial opportunities for women, building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme. Additionally, plans to construct hostels for girls pursuing higher education in every district were highlighted as a positive step.
In the health sector, the decision to establish emergency care systems at district hospitals was praised. On the infrastructure front, Fadnavis underscored the potential economic impact of the Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Hyderabad high-speed corridors, which are projected to significantly boost GDP. The Pune-Hyderabad route, in particular, is expected to benefit regions like Marathwada and western Maharashtra.
Growth Hubs and Project-Wise Figures
The budget allocates ₹5,000 crore each over five years to growth hubs, aiding the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune metropolitan area, and Nagpur metropolitan growth hub. Fadnavis provided detailed project-wise figures for Maharashtra, including:
- Maharashtra rural roads project: ₹378.38 crore
- Maharashtra agribusiness project: ₹167.28 crore
- Economic cluster for inclusive development: ₹283.77 crore
- Maharashtra tertiary care and medical education development programme: ₹385.78 crore
- Solarisation of lift irrigation schemes: ₹207.10 crore
- Agriculture and rural transformation project: ₹646.24 crore
- Skills and applied knowledge project for human development: ₹313.65 crore
- Capacity building for institutional structures in districts: ₹240.90 crore
Urban and Mobility Allocations
Large urban and mobility allocations were also cited, focusing initially on Mumbai and Pune. These include:
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor: ₹6,103 crore
- Mumbai Metro: ₹1,702 crore
- MUTP 3: ₹462 crore
- Green mobility in MMR: ₹155.32 crore
- Intelligent transport systems on Samruddhi Mahamarg: ₹680.79 crore
- Pune Metro: ₹517.74 crore
Fadnavis clarified that these figures are preliminary, with the overall project total for Maharashtra pegged at ₹12,355 crore. He expressed confidence that these allocations will drive significant growth and development across the state, reinforcing Maharashtra's position as a key economic contributor to the nation.
