Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation Presents Surplus Budget for 2026-27 Fiscal Year
The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) officially tabled its comprehensive budget proposal for the financial year 2026-27 on Friday, outlining a strategic plan to significantly enhance civic amenities across its jurisdiction. The budget demonstrates a clear focus on critical infrastructure areas including road networks, drainage and sewerage systems, street lighting, solid waste management, and filtered water supply improvements.
Financial Overview and Strategic Priorities
Presenting a surplus budget proposal of Rs 67.8 lakh, the BMC has projected total income at Rs 489.4 crore against planned expenditures of Rs 488.7 crore. In her budget speech, Bidhannagar Mayor Krishna Chakraborty emphasized that the municipal corporation is intensifying efforts to upgrade the area's infrastructure and facilities while optimizing existing service delivery mechanisms.
The primary objectives include comprehensive improvements to roads, street lighting systems, water supply networks, garbage removal operations, and drainage infrastructure. This budget represents a calculated approach to addressing long-standing civic concerns while planning for sustainable urban development.
Road Development and Maintenance Allocation
Responding to persistent complaints about battered and potholed roads from commuters, the BMC has proposed a substantial allocation of Rs 79 crore specifically for road and pavement development and maintenance in Salt Lake and Rajarhat-Gopalpur areas. This represents an increase from the previous financial year's allocation of Rs 76 crore, signaling heightened priority for transportation infrastructure improvements.
Water Supply Augmentation Initiatives
The municipal corporation is implementing a multi-faceted approach to enhance filtered water supply throughout its jurisdiction. As part of this initiative, BMC plans to expand its fleet by adding 10 tractors and tankers to the existing 12-vehicle fleet dedicated to water distribution.
Furthermore, the civic body has secured approval for Rs 379.4 crore under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme's first phase, specifically earmarked for water supply augmentation projects. These funds will support several ongoing and new initiatives including:
- Repairs and renovation of 15 overhead water tanks in Salt Lake
- House-to-house filtered water supply connections in wards 22 to 26, 38, and 39
- Provision of potable water supply to wards 28, 35, and 36
Street Lighting and Safety Enhancement
Ensuring well-lit and safe public spaces in Salt Lake and Rajarhat remains another key priority for the municipal authorities. The BMC has already implemented LED light panels of varying wattages across its operational area as part of energy-efficient lighting initiatives.
Under the Green City project, the corporation is procuring new street lights along with 405 additional lamp posts for installation in wards 1 to 27 in Rajarhat, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.9 crore. For the current fiscal year, the authorities have proposed an allocation of Rs 16 crore specifically for street lighting improvements and expansions.
Sewerage and Drainage System Modernization
The budget places significant emphasis on upgrading sewerage and drainage infrastructure to prevent waterlogging and improve sanitation. Planned initiatives in this sector include:
- Modernization of eight existing sewerage pumping stations in Salt Lake
- Construction of four additional pumping stations in Salt Lake
- Establishment of two new drop pumping stations in Salt Lake
- Installation of new drainage lines in Rajarhat
To support these comprehensive improvements, the civic authorities have proposed a budgetary provision of Rs 25.5 crore specifically dedicated to the development and modernization of sewerage and drainage systems throughout the BMC area.
This budget proposal reflects the municipal corporation's commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps while maintaining fiscal responsibility through a surplus budgetary position.
