From Ladki Bahin Yojna Allocation to New Jobs in the Next 5 Years: 10 Things to Know About Maharashtra Budget 2025-26

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also serves as the state’s Finance Minister, presented a ₹7.20 lakh crore annual budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the state assembly.

The budget includes a revenue deficit of ₹45,892 crore and a fiscal deficit of ₹1,36,234 crore. This marks the 11th budget presented by Pawar as Maharashtra’s Finance Minister.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the budget, noting that Maharashtra, with a population of 12 crore, is the only state apart from Uttar Pradesh (22 crore population) to present a budget of such a massive scale.

Ajit Pawar stated that the estimated revenue receipts for 2024-25 stand at ₹5.60 lakh crore, while revenue expenditure is pegged at ₹6.06 lakh crore.

Key Highlights of Maharashtra Budget 2025-26

1. 50 Lakh Jobs in 5 Years

Pawar announced that the Mahayuti government aims to generate 50 lakh new employment opportunities over the next 5 years.

“We will soon announce the Industrial Policy 2025, which aims to attract ₹20 lakh crore in investments and create 50 lakh jobs. A separate regional policy will be developed for the circular economy, and new labour laws will be introduced,” Pawar stated.

2. 1,500 km Road Network Expansion

The government plans to develop a 1,500 km road network in the coming year, with 7,000 km of existing roads upgraded to cement roads across Maharashtra. Pawar also confirmed that 99% of the Samruddhi Highway project has been completed.

3. Vadhvan Port to be Operational by 2030

Vadhvan Port, a proposed deep-sea port in Palghar district, will see Maharashtra contributing 26% of the total project cost.

A new airport is also planned as part of the port’s development, with the port expected to begin operations by 2030.

4. ₹36,000 Crore for Ladki Bahin Yojana

The Ladki Bahin Yojana has already benefited 2.53 crore women with stipends totalling ₹33,232 crores.

For 2025-26, the government has allocated an increased outlay of ₹36,000 crore. Under the Lek Ladki Yojana, benefits have been provided to 1.12 lakh women.

5. ₹15.65 Lakh Crore Investment in Development

The government plans to invest ₹15.65 lakh crore in various sectors over the coming years, creating an estimated 16 lakh jobs.

A seven-point action plan has been prepared for the first 100 days to improve administrative transparency. Outstanding government offices will also be recognized and rewarded.

6. AI Integration in Agriculture

The Maharashtra government will launch a pilot project promoting artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. The project will cover 1 lakh acres and involve 50,000 farmers.

“To enhance agricultural productivity, we will promote AI. All irrigation projects are progressing as planned, and funds have been allocated for irrigation schemes. Additionally, we are focusing on solar energy for sustainable growth,” said Pawar.

7. ₹19,300 Crore Irrigation Project

The government is prioritising river interlinking and has announced a ₹19,300 crore irrigation project in the Tapi River Valley. Additionally, water from the Konkan region will be diverted to drought-prone Marathwada.

8. Budget Breakdown: ₹7.20 Lakh Crore Total Expenditure

The total expenditure for the 2025-26 budget is ₹7.20 lakh crore, with estimated revenue receipts of ₹5,60,964 crore and revenue expenditure projected at ₹6,06,855 crore, resulting in a revenue deficit of ₹45,891 crore.

The revised revenue estimates for 2024-25 have been increased from ₹4,99,463 crore to ₹5,36,463 crore. Similarly, the total budgeted expenditure for 2024-25 was ₹6,12,293 crore, but it has now been revised to ₹6,72,030 crore due to increased spending on capital and welfare schemes.

9. Metro Expansion in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune

Currently, 143.57 km of metro routes are operational in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune, benefiting around 10 lakh daily commuters.

The government plans to launch an additional 64.4 km of metro routes in 2025-26, including 41.2 km in Mumbai and 23.2 km in Pune. Over the next five years, a total of 237.5 km of metro lines will be made operational.

Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro is progressing at a cost of ₹6,708 crore, with 43.80 km under construction.

10. Seven Commercial Hubs in Mumbai

Under the state’s newly formulated logistics policy, 10,000 acres will be allocated for developing logistics infrastructure, which is expected to create 5 lakh direct and indirect jobs.

Additionally, seven commercial hubs will be developed in Mumbai, with the city’s economy projected to grow from $140 billion to $300 billion.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra Budget 2025-26 outlines ambitious plans for infrastructure development, economic growth, and welfare schemes. With a focus on employment generation, road network expansion, metro projects, and AI-driven agriculture, the state government aims to drive Maharashtra’s progress towards becoming a leading contributor to India’s Viksit Bharat mission by 2047.

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