No Tax Hike, ₹623 Crore For Merged Villages, Funds For 33 Major Roads, And Metro Expansion

Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale presented the 2025-26 annual budget on Tuesday, totaling ₹12,618.09 crore. The budget focuses heavily on improving road infrastructure and public transport, with a significant allocation for 33 major roads to enhance transportation. Notably, there will be no hike in municipal taxes, and ₹623 crore has been earmarked for the development of newly merged villages. While there are no new schemes introduced, the emphasis is on maintenance and upgrading the metro network.

The budget comprises ₹7,093 crore for revenue expenses and ₹5,524 crore for capital works. Last year’s budget stood at ₹11,601 crore, out of which ₹6,500 crore (55%) has been collected so far, with a projected total collection of ₹8,400 crore. Around 70% of the previous budget has been utilized.

This marks the third budget during the administrator-led governance period. The budget focuses on sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure development to benefit the citizens.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale expressed gratitude to the citizens for their active engagement in the budget process.

Key Highlights of the Budget:

Grievance Redressal: A committee at the zonal deputy commissioner level will be set up to address citizen complaints.

Urban Poor Schemes: New initiatives will be introduced.

Disease Control: A Metropolitan Surveillance Unit will be established, including a laboratory and trained staff.

Cluster Development: Ekta Nagari will undergo cluster-based development.

Crematorium Upgrades: Modernization of cremation grounds.

Revenue Generation: Efficient utilization of municipal properties to increase revenue.

Traffic Planning: Allocation for 33 major roads to improve transportation.

No Tax Hike: No increase in any municipal taxes.

Incorporated Villages: ₹623 crore allocated for development in newly merged villages.

Traffic Cell Upgrades: Modernization of the traffic management cell.

Land Acquisition: Since TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) has not been beneficial, over ₹200 crore has been allocated for direct land acquisition.

Missing Links: ₹33 crore

Land Acquisition: ₹15 crore

Katraj-Kondhwa Road: ₹75 crore for land acquisition and ₹50 crore for construction.

Healthcare Initiative: The “Amrit Mahotsavi Pune Health Campaign” will be launched.

Education: “Sister School” initiative for municipal schools.

Installation of CCTV cameras in schools.

Competitive exam center to be opened at the City Library.

Sports & Arts:

Sports complex to be developed in Mohammadwadi.

Budget allocation for sculptures made from scrap materials.

Digital Governance:

A mobile app for construction permits and other services.

Expansion of the E-office system for administrative efficiency.

Water Supply:

Of the 141 equal water supply zones, 74 zones have been completed, and 66 water tanks have been constructed.

Sewage Treatment:

Out of 11 JICA-backed STP plants, five will be completed in the coming year.

Medical College:

Construction is progressing well and is expected to be completed by 2025-26.

Affordable Housing:

4,173 houses to be provided at reasonable rates under PMAY.

Infrastructure Projects:

Grade separator to be built at Mundhwa and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk.

Public Transport:

Funds allocated for purchasing PMPML buses.

Disaster Management:

A dedicated disaster management unit will be established.

Municipal Recruitment:

PMC will conduct recruitment to fill vacant positions.

This year’s budget does not have any new scheme, and the maximum focus is on maintenance works. It mainly focused on improving the road infrastructure and public transport systems. The budget included proposals to enhance the metro network.