MMRDA presents ₹40,187 crore Budget for FY 2025-26 with focuse on Metro Rail & Infrastructure

Mumbai, India (Urban Transport News): The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has presented its ₹40,187 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, with a strong focus on metro expansion and key infrastructure projects across the city.

A significant 87% of the total budget, amounting to ₹35,151 crore, has been earmarked for infrastructure development. Metro rail projects alone have been allotted ₹10,969 crore, ensuring accelerated progress on the city's ongoing and upcoming metro corridors. Additionally, ₹5,697 crore has been allocated for tunnel projects, including ₹2,684 crore for the four-lane road running under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Metro Expansion Plans

MMRDA has allocated funds for four new metro corridors:

• Metro 14: Kanjurmarg to Badlapur

• Metro 13: Mira Road to Virar

• Metro 10: Gaimukh to Mira Road

• Metro 5 Extension: Durgadi (Kalyan) to Ulhasnagar

Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairperson Eknath Shinde confirmed that 20 km of metro rail will be operational this year, with another 50 km expected next year. By 2027, all ongoing metro rail projects are set to be completed.

Key Infrastructure Developments

The 2025-26 budget includes funding for several critical projects:

• Tunnel Projects: Phase 1 of the Gaimukh-Hotel Fountain Junction tunnel, the third phase of the Airoli-Katak Naka tunnel.

• Road Projects: Elevated road from Hotel Fountain Junction to Bhayandar, a new road from Ghodbunder to Jaisal Park, and a 30-meter-wide road from Sai Palace Hotel to Thakur Mall in Mira-Bhayandar.

• Bridges & Connectivity: A road and rail overbridge linking Mira Road East and West, along with multiple roads and bridges in Vasai-Virar, Alibaug, and Kulgaon-Badlapur.

Budget Deficit and Revenue Sources

Despite reducing its spending on infrastructure by ₹6,800 crore compared to last year, MMRDA has also managed to cut its budget deficit from ₹7,468.25 crore to ₹5,036.27 crore. Expected revenue for the year stands at ₹36,938.69 crore, with funds sourced from:

• State Government Sub-Debts: ₹2,082 crore

• Borrowings: ₹22,327.35 crore

• Land Leasing: ₹7,344 crore

• Government Grants & TDR Sales: ₹1,024 crore

• Urban Transport Fund: ₹3,000 crore

• Project Operations & Other Receipts: ₹1,161.34 crore

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that MMRDA plays a crucial role in the state's economic growth. The ambitious budget aims to propel the region towards a USD 1 trillion GSDP, reinforcing Mumbai’s status as a global megacity.

With metro connectivity and infrastructure expansion at its core, MMRDA’s 2025-26 budget sets the stage for transformative urban development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.