Chennai’s ₹5,214 Cr Budget Prioritizes Roads, Drainage & Public Infrastructure

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), announcing its largest-ever budget with a thrust on infrastructure development, came up with a budget of over ₹5000 crore. The budget of ₹5,214 crore for the financial year 2025-26 has kept aside more than ₹1,600 crores for various priority projects, including damage repairs and laying of stormwater drains and the upgradation of bus stands at Saidapet, Guindy and Ekkatuthangal.

The fund for solid waste management has been considerably increased from ₹210 crore last year to ₹352 crore this year. The company also is adding bio-CNG plants to process the wet waste the right way. Of this, ₹35 crore has been earmarked for education initiatives like coaching in STEM subjects, spoken English classes and digital learning infrastructure. GCC will also develop three geriatric wellness centres for the healthcare needs of the elderly.

Despite the rise in spending, the GCC has managed to cut its budget deficit to ₹69 crore this year from ₹263 crore last year. Property tax and stamp duty remain important revenue streams, however. While property tax is 2,020 crore (₹270 crore in addition to last year) will be the highest by, the stamp duty and professional taxes again making another 1,100 crore.

Moreover, out of ₹5,214 crore budget, a chunk of ₹4,300 crores will be spent on salaries, administrative expenses, maintenance and loan repayments. With the non-tax revenue shrinking by ₹150 crore as compared to last year, the GCC is seeking other avenues of revenue.

“We cannot rely on property tax in isolation. We are aspiring to grow up to that level like other metros if we can better the revenue streams from the rest. At first, you’re visiting by municipal bonds and street-light ads. “Parking too is being made simple,” GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said.

Ambitious Budget For Chennai Prioritising Infrastructure, Waste Management And Digitalising Education