CM targets Narela hub in bid for upcoming university townships

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government will try to get the proposed Narela education hub to be among the five new university townships announced in this year’s Union Budget.

Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the Union Budget has given fresh momentum to Delhi’s development through higher capital spending, direct Central assistance and major infrastructure and security allocations.

The Chief Minister said, it is a multi-dimensional Budget with direct benefits for the national Capital.

The Chief Minister said the Budget strengthens economic growth while addressing social needs, and reflects improved coordination between the Centre and the Delhi Government on funds and projects critical to the city. She said the provisions would boost infrastructure, employment, security and business activity in Delhi.

The Chief Minister highlighted that direct Central assistance of Rs 1,348 crore has been provided for Delhi in the Budget. The funds will be used for infrastructure, water supply and other basic civic facilities.

She cited the Chandrawal Water Project as an example, saying initiatives such as the Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant would improve water pressure in older areas and support the goal of a round-the-clock water supply.

A key highlight for Delhi is the allocation of Rs 12,503 crore for Delhi Police in 2026-27, the Chief Minister said.

The entire expenditure of Delhi Police, including salaries, vehicles, technology and police station operations, is borne by the Central Government.

This, she noted, allows the Delhi Government to use its own resources for schools, hospitals, roads, water supply and welfare schemes.

She said the Union Budget’s focus on capital expenditure would have a strong impact on Delhi. Capital expenditure has increased from Rs 11.2 lakh crore in the previous year to Rs 12.2 lakh crore in 2026-27.

This will lead to more construction activity, new projects and large-scale job creation, particularly benefiting large urban centres such as Delhi.

The Chief Minister also pointed to the expansion of the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI), which has been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore. She said this would enable Delhi to accelerate projects such as roads, flyovers, buses, water supply and sewerage without putting additional pressure on the city’s own Budget.

Referring to transport and connectivity, she said the proposed Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail corridor, part of seven high-speed rail corridors announced nationwide, would improve travel, boost tourism and trade, and generate employment, while strengthening Delhi’s role as a major economic and transport hub.

On employment and business, the Chief Minister said Delhi would benefit from the Rs 10,000 crore fund announced for small businesses. Delhi’s economy, she noted, is driven by traders, shopkeepers and service providers. Easier access to capital and credit under the scheme would support business expansion and job creation across the city.

She also highlighted measures aimed at improving ease of doing business, including regulatory relief for the IT and services sectors, reforms in corporate bonds and support for municipal bodies to mobilise funds.

Given Delhi’s large concentration of companies, start-ups and professionals, these steps would have a significant local impact.

The Chief Minister also drew attention to the Budget’s focus on the Orange Economy, particularly AVGC sectors.

Content Creation Labs are planned in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges nationwide, with Delhi’s institutions set to be part of the initiative.

Given Delhi’s services-driven economy, she said the sector offers strong potential for youth employment.