BMC may go with practical budget despite major infra projects lined up

Despite major infrastructure projects are lined up, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration may not change much in figures of last year budget as it is not likely to also introduce new projects. According to senior officials, the BMC administration will continue with the practical budget that was started last year.

The BMC administration had presented Rs 25,151 crore budget in 2017-18 which was significantly lesser compared to 2016-17 budget, which was Rs. 37,052 crore.

Major infrastructure projects like coastal road, sewerage treatment plant (STP), waste to energy, comprehensive mobility plan among others are lined and these projects will be required fund. In 2017-18 budget, the BMC had allocated Rs 1,000 crore for coastal road. However, much of the amount could not be spent as the project is still under tender process and the actual work will likely to begin by April 2018. Similarly, Rs 130 crore was allocated for Goregaon Mulund Link Road which can still be used for the project.

In 2017-18, a number of heads were reduced from different departments for same purchase items like stationery separately, and there was separate allocation of funds. "The practical budget that was presented last year is quite successful," said a senior official, working closely on budget 2018-19.

"There is a very less possibility that any new infrastructure projects will be announced," added the official.