Nagpur civic body's big projects stall three months into record Rs 6,202.99 crore budget

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had presented a record surplus budget of Rs 6,202.99 crore for 2026-27. Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare had presented the budget without imposing any new tax. It was seen as an ambitious blueprint to transform the city. But only three months after implementation began, the civic body's development work has come to a near halt.

Red tape, problems in changing software and obstacles linked to repeated elections and the legislature have put dozens of major welfare and infrastructure schemes at risk of remaining only on paper. The financial year is fast nearing its end.

The trouble began with delays in the process. Local body elections were held in January this year, because of which the budget could be presented only at the end of June, about a month and a half late. As a result, implementation at the administrative level could begin only on August 1.

The administration then introduced a digital "work module" system for processing files and clearing bills, which slowed work further. The NMC's information technology officer clarified that files already at the tender or work order stage will not be sent back for retrospective approval. The module applies only to files at the preliminary estimate or technical sanction stage that are awaiting administrative approval.

The model code of conduct, in force until October 27, has added to the hurdles. During this period the standing committee can neither approve new project files nor issue tenders. After the code is lifted, the Diwali festival will arrive, and then the administration's time will go into heavy preparations for the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, beginning on December 7. Very little time will thus be left to approve civic projects.

Major projects now in trouble include the Rs 900 crore Phase 5 cement-concrete road project covering 135 roads, the Rs 31.98 crore Healthy Street programme in Dharampeth and Shankar Nagar, the conversion of 1.8 lakh streetlights to LED, and a Rs 125 crore town hall in Mahal modelled on the Central Vista.

The future of several important social welfare schemes is also uncertain. These include the "Mahapaur Maher Yojana", shelters called "Thiyya" for workers in 10 zones, the "Savji and Weavers Festival", 5,000 solar stoves, free bicycles for 75 girls, pay-and-park facilities, a diagnostic and dialysis centre at Jattarodi, a digital e-library under the Pramila Mendhe International Language Programme, 53 urban primary health centres and a sickle-cell day-care centre at Pachpaoli.

The heavy liabilities of projects left incomplete will move to 2027-28. The corporation will then have to spend money on fulfilling old commitments instead of new initiatives. Asked for spending figures, the chief accounts and finance officer said that budget expenditure is compiled only in December.

Preparation of the 2027-28 budget will also begin in December. The administration thus faces a dual challenge: completing the stalled works while planning ahead. This has raised serious questions about the actual utilisation of the Rs 6,202 crore provision.