NDMC presents surplus budget of Rs 143.05 crore for 2026-27

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Wednesday presented a surplus budget of Rs 143.05 crore for the financial year 2026-27. The budget numbers show strong financial health while sharply increasing capital expenditure and keeping property tax rates unchanged.

The budget was presented at a special council meeting chaired by NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra. Delhi minister and New Delhi MLA Parvesh Verma presided over the session. New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal and other council members were also present at the occasion.

According to budget estimates, NDMC’s total receipts for 2026-27 are projected at Rs 5,953.07 crore, up from the revised estimate of Rs 5,689.27 crore for 2025-26. Actual receipts in 2024-25 stood at Rs 5,060.57 crore, reflecting steady growth in revenue collection. Total expenditure for the coming financial year has been pegged at Rs 5,810.02 crore, compared with Rs 5,484.15 crore in the revised estimate for 2025-26. Actual expenditure in 2024-25 was Rs 4,678.45 crore. The gap between receipts and expenditure has resulted in a projected surplus of Rs 143.05 crore.

A key highlight of the budget is the sharp increase in capital expenditure, indicating a shift towards long-term infrastructure creation. NDMC has allocated Rs 943.84 crore for capital works in 2026-27. This marks a significant jump from Rs 586.54 crore in the revised estimate for 2025-26 and Rs 121.73 crore spent in 2024-25.

Officials said the rise in capital spending reflects NDMC’s focus on building durable public assets rather than short-term consumption. Chairman Keshav Chandra said the council is consciously redirecting resources towards infrastructure that will support long-term growth and service delivery.

Revenue expenditure for 2026-27 has been estimated at Rs 4,866.18 crore, slightly lower than the revised estimate of Rs 4,897.61 crore for the current year. Revenue receipts are projected at Rs 5,211.92 crore, while capital receipts are estimated at Rs 741.15 crore.

Property tax continues to be one of NDMC’s major revenue sources. The council expects to collect Rs 1,290 crore in property tax during 2026-27, up from Rs 1,200 crore projected in the revised estimate for 2025-26. Importantly, NDMC has announced that there will be no increase in property tax rates, offering relief to residents and businesses in the NDMC area.

Another steady source of income is licence fees from municipal properties. NDMC earned Rs 757.48 crore from licence fees in 2024-25. This is expected to rise to Rs 850.21 crore in the revised estimate for 2025-26 and further to Rs 945.21 crore in 2026-27, reflecting improved asset management and higher occupancy.

Electricity distribution remains a major contributor to NDMC’s revenues. The Electricity Distribution Strategic Business Unit (EDSBU) recorded actual receipts of Rs 2,225.90 crore in 2024-25. While the revised estimate for 2025-26 stands at Rs 1,914.25 crore, receipts for 2026-27 are projected at Rs 1,953.42 crore.

Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal said NDMC is also focusing on strengthening revenue management. A special drive will be launched to recover arrears in a time-bound manner. He added that the council plans to move to a fully digital payment system in 2026-27, phasing out cash, cheque and demand draft transactions to improve transparency and efficiency.

NDMC officials said the budget reflects fiscal discipline and stable financial planning. With a surplus position, higher capital investment and no increase in property tax rates, the council aims to balance development needs with financial responsibility while keeping the burden on citizens in check.

NDMC Budget Focuses on Green Technology and Sustainability

New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) budget for 2026-27 drives a bold move toward green technology, smart infrastructure, and citizen-focused services, setting the stage to make central Delhi cleaner, safer, and better prepared forthe future.

Building on its surplus financial position, NDMC has placed sustainability at the centre of its development agenda. Among the most ambitious proposals, the generation of hydrogen and electricity from a sewage treatment plant at Bharti Nagar aims to make the facility self-sustaining and significantly cut carbon emissions. In addition, NDMC has begun groundwork to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), with implementation planned from the 2026-27 financial year. Air pollution remains a key concern, and the Budget proposes several measures to address it.

NDMC plans to expand mechanised sweeping using vacuum-based machines across roads and pavements, gradually phasing out manual brooming. Anti-smog guns, mist spray systems and regular washing of roadside trees will continue at identified pollution hotspots to improve air quality.

Water management and conservation form another major pillar of the budget. The NDMC will extend its smart irrigation system to 13 additional roads and three major gardens in 2026-27, following its coverage of 11 roads this year.