Varanasi Municipal Corporation Approves ₹2,533.33 Cr Budget

The Executive Committee of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation has approved a massive ₹2,533.33 crore budget for the financial year 2026–27, marking a significant push toward accelerated urban development. The approved outlay includes ₹2,262.42 crore for the Municipal Corporation and ₹275.42 crore for the JalKal department.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari on Wednesday. Chief Finance and Accounts Officer Manish Shukla and JalKal General Manager Anoop Singh presented the proposed budget for 2026–27 along with the revised income-expenditure estimates for 2025–26. Based on suggestions from the Mayor, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, and executive members, several expenditure heads were rationalized, while allocations under key sectors were enhanced. The revised budget will now be placed before the Municipal House for final approval.

Sharp Growth in Budget Over Three Years

The Municipal Corporation’s budget has witnessed a remarkable 2.69-fold increase over the past three years. Compared to last year, the 2026–27 budget is nearly 1.7 times higher — an increase of approximately ₹938 crore.

2023–24: ₹840.90 crore (Base Year)

2024–25: ₹1,049.17 crore (1.24 times, +₹208.27 crore)

2025–26: ₹1,324.46 crore (1.57 times, +₹275.29 crore)

2026–27: ₹2,262.42 crore (2.69 times, +₹937.96 crore)

This steady rise reflects increased revenue collection and a stronger focus on infrastructure expansion and civic amenities across the city.

Focus on Water Supply and Sewerage

The JalKal department has proposed an expenditure of ₹270.91 crore for 2026–27 to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply and an improved sewerage system. Special emphasis has been placed on strengthening water tax and sewer tax collection, contributing to nearly a 1.5-fold increase in the department’s budget.

Special Provisions for Padma Awardees and Service Settlements

For the first time, the budget includes dedicated allocations for specific community-focused initiatives:

₹20 crore to develop residential lanes of Padma awardees as “Model Streets,” equipped with modern amenities and artistic enhancements.

₹30 crore for improving living conditions in service settlements (Seva Bastis), including sewer lines, clean drinking water, modern street lighting, and other essential civic facilities.

Leadership and Participation

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairperson Narasingh Das and executive members including Amardev Yadav, Rajesh Yadav Challu, Pramod Rai, Madan Mohan, Hanuman Prasad, Sushil Gupta Yogi, Praveen Rai, Ashok Maurya, Madhuri Singh, Sushila Devi, and Rajkumar Chaudhary. Senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioners Savita Yadav and Vinod Kumar Gupta, Chief Municipal Auditor Sanjay Pratap Singh, PRO Sandeep Srivastava, Joint Municipal Commissioner Jitendra Anand, JalKal GM Anoop Singh, Chief Engineer R.K. Singh, and Veterinary Officer Dr. Santosh Pal, were also present.

Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari described the budget as a milestone for the city’s transformation.

“This budget will prove to be a milestone in establishing Varanasi as a model city on the global stage. We have given special emphasis to public amenities and infrastructure,” he said.

With a record allocation and targeted development initiatives, the 2026–27 budget is expected to significantly reshape urban infrastructure and civic services in Varanasi.