Delhi budget 2026: 2 free LPG cylinders for households, ₹1.03 lakh crore ‘green’ push unveiled

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented Delhi’s ₹1,03,700 crore budget for 2026–27, announcing a key welfare measure of providing two free LPG cylinders annually to households. The scheme, with an allocation of ₹260 crore, will deliver one cylinder each during Holi and Diwali, even as the government positioned the overall financial plan as a “green budget”.

The budget outlines a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, with 21 per cent of the total outlay dedicated to climate-linked initiatives. Allocations for pollution control, waste management, and green infrastructure have been significantly increased, including ₹822 crore for environmental measures and additional investments in e-waste management, biogas plants, and pollution testing systems.

Despite the environmental focus, the budget remains anchored in large-scale infrastructure development. Key sectors such as urban housing, public works, and civic services have received substantial allocations, including ₹7,800 crore for urban development and ₹5,921 crore for the Public Works Department. The government also announced plans to upgrade 750 km of roads and expand major corridors to improve connectivity.

Transport and mobility have been prioritised with a budget of ₹8,374 crore, including ₹2,885 crore for metro expansion and ₹2,000 crore earmarked for electric vehicle initiatives. The government aims to scale up its electric bus fleet to 7,500, reinforcing its push towards cleaner public transport systems while improving urban mobility.

The budget also includes a wide range of welfare and social initiatives, particularly targeting women, education, and marginalised groups. Schemes such as financial support for girls, free bicycles, laptops for students, and sanitary napkin distribution in schools have been announced, alongside efforts to promote women’s participation through dedicated marketplaces and transport permits.

While presenting the budget, the Chief Minister criticised the previous administration’s “freebie culture”, even as the government introduced targeted welfare schemes like the LPG subsidy. The financial plan projects a steady rise in per capita income and aims to strengthen Delhi’s economic position, combining social support measures with long-term infrastructure and environmental goals.