Union Budget 2025 Allocates Funds for Pune Metro, Mula-Mutha River Projects
Pune, 1st February 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the much-anticipated Union Budget today, bringing a mix of relief and new provisions for various sectors. Notably, the budget offers significant relief to those with an income of up to Rs 12 lakh annually, alongside major announcements for sectors including education, agriculture, employment, manufacturing, and small industries. Despite the positives, the opposition has raised concerns, with Congress leaders accusing the government of neglecting Maharashtra in the budget.
In response to these criticisms, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to social media to highlight the state’s budget allocations. He reassured citizens that Maharashtra has received key financial support in various sectors. He stressed that the details provided were preliminary and that more comprehensive figures, including railway statistics, would be shared shortly.
According to Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s allocations include:
- Mumbai Metro: ₹1,255.06 crore
- Pune Metro: ₹699.13 crore
- Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP): ₹511.48 crore
- Integrated and Green Passenger Facilities for MMR: ₹792.35 crore
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail: ₹4,004.31 crore
- Economic Cluster for Inclusive Development: ₹1,094.58 crore
- Maharashtra Rural Connectivity Improvement Project: ₹683.51 crore
- Maharashtra Agribusiness Network: ₹596.57 crore
- Naganadi Improvement Project: ₹295.64 crore
- Mula-Mutha River Conservation: ₹229.94 crore
- Energy-Efficient Lift Irrigation Project: ₹186.44 crore
These provisions aim to boost Maharashtra’s infrastructure, rural connectivity, and agribusiness sectors, while also focusing on sustainable development and environmental initiatives.
However, the budget has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, particularly Congress. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan expressed disappointment, highlighting several issues. “This is the first budget post the Lok Sabha elections, and it’s clear that the government acknowledges the slowing down of the Indian economy,” Chavan said. “The consequences of this slowdown are evident — unemployment is rising, farmers’ suicides continue, and the agricultural economy is in a crisis. No steps have been taken to curb inflation, and we expected this government to address the suffering of common people. Unfortunately, this budget has failed to do so.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also voiced his concerns, criticizing the government’s approach to the economic situation. “This budget is nothing more than a bandage on the gunshot wounds,” Gandhi remarked on social media. “In these uncertain global times, a paradigm shift was necessary to resolve our economic crisis. Unfortunately, this government has run out of ideas.”
As the budget details unfold, both supporters and critics will be watching closely to assess the impact on Maharashtra and the broader national economy.
