By BasisPoint Insight
March 10, 2025 at 12:21 PM IST
The Maharashtra government has presented the 2025-26 budget, focusing on infrastructure, women’s welfare, renewable energy, and transportation. With a revenue deficit of ₹458.91 billion, the budget outlines major investments in metro expansion, irrigation projects, and social welfare schemes.
Memorials for Icons
A memorial for Sambhaji Maharaj will be established at Sangameshwar, while an international-standard Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial is under construction at Indu Mill, Dadar, Mumbai, with adequate funds allocated for its completion.
Women’s Welfare
The government has increased the Ladki Bahin Yojana outlay to ₹360 billion, benefiting 25.3 million women. Additionally, the Lek Ladki Yojana continues to support over 112,000 women across the state.
New Health & Senior Citizens Policy
A comprehensive health policy for Maharashtra’s senior citizens has been announced, focusing on improved medical access and welfare initiatives for the elderly.
Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme
The government plans to support 15 million electricity consumers using up to 100 units of power by introducing subsidies for rooftop solar panels. This initiative aims to reduce electricity bills to zero for nearly 70% of consumers over time.
Major Irrigation Projects
A ₹193 billion Tapi Irrigation Project will benefit North Maharashtra and West Vidarbha. Additionally, 54.7 TMC of water from west-flowing rivers will be diverted into the Godavari, enabling irrigation for 240,000 hectares in Marathwada.
New Markets for Fisheries & Silk
The government will establish an international fish market in Marol, Mumbai, along with a silk cocoon trading market in Armori, Gadchiroli, to support local farmers and traders.
Transport and Metro Expansion
Maharashtra plans to convert 6,000 MSRTC buses to CNG and LNG for eco-friendly public transport. The Metro link between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport will commence soon. Mumbai will see 41.2 km of new Metro lines, while Pune will get 23 km of expansion by 2025.
Infrastructure Projects to Reduce Travel Time
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway missing link between Khopoli and Khandala is expected to be completed by August 2025, reducing travel time and easing congestion. The government has allocated ₹647.83 billion for Mumbai’s suburban infrastructure projects, including the Versova to Bhayander Coastal Road, Thane to Borivali route, and an underground route from Orange Gate to Marine Drive.
Swatantryaveer Savarkar Sea Link & Third Mumbai Airport
The Swatantryaveer Savarkar Sea Link, a 14 km stretch from Bandra to Versova, is expected to be completed by May 2028 at an estimated cost of ₹181.20 billion. Additionally, a third airport for Mumbai has been proposed near Vadhavan Port, which will be integrated with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station and Samruddhi Highway for enhanced connectivity.
‘Maitri’ Portal for Industrial Licensing
The government plans to launch the ‘Maitri’ portal, a dedicated platform for granting industrial licenses. This initiative aims to streamline approvals, enhance ease of doing business, and attract more investments to the state. The portal will serve as a one-stop digital solution for businesses, reducing bureaucratic delays and fostering a business-friendly environment in Maharashtra.