Chandigarh Municipal Corporation unveils Rs 1,712 crore budget for 2026-27

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has unveiled a Rs 1,712 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, with a focus on transforming the city into a smart, digital and self-sufficient hub. Out of total amount, Rs 610 crore have been earmarked under Capital Head and Rs 1,102 crore in the Revenue Head.

Mayor Saurabh Joshi presented the budget, highlighting key initiatives, including:

• Information Technology Upgrades: Rs 12 crore allocated for AI-based systems, digital file tracking, and online billing and payment systems.
• Infrastructure Development: Rs 140 crore for road and parking improvements, Rs 61 crore for water supply system upgrades, and Rs 50 crore for storm water drainage.
• Gaushala Development: Rs 27 crore earmarked for improving gaushalas, following criticism over cow deaths.
• Revenue Generation: Expected Rs 461 crore revenue from various sources, including property tax and digital tax collection.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Plans to introduce PPP models for smart parking, community centers, and EV charging stations.

The Mayor, while presenting the budget, said that the budget is being presented with a view to achieve the objectives of ‘Viksit Bharat — Viksit Chandigarh’. He said that for the first time, Rs 12 crores will be spent on the improvement of information technology.  From this amount, AI Smart Single Window System, Digital File Tracking System, AI-based grievance redressal system, Smart Street Light Monitoring and online Billing and Payment System will be introduced.

The increase in the budget for gaushalas have been made after the MC faced criticism due to the death of over 50 cows outside the carcass incinerator centre at Raipur Kalan. Chandigarh currently has six gaushalas or cattle pounds in Industrial Area, Maloya, Raipur Kalan Sector 45 and Sector 25 Chandigarh. With the increase in the budget the MC plans to improve the conditions of the gaushalas.