Gandhinagar, August 11: The Gujarat government has significantly increased its urban development budget, which has grown more than 45 times in the last two decades. State spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani announced on Tuesday that the budget rose from ₹660 crores in 2005-06 to ₹30,325 crores for the fiscal year 2025-26.
During a press conference, Vaghani highlighted that this increase reflects the state’s commitment to expanding urban infrastructure and essential services.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, over ₹92,000 crores have been allocated for the welfare and development of the urban population in the past five years,” he stated.
Vaghani noted that the foundation of the state’s urban development program was laid in 2005 when then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Golden Jubilee Chief Minister Urban Development Scheme.’
“The aim of this scheme was to provide basic and infrastructural facilities to cities in Gujarat,” he added.
He pointed out that when the scheme began in 2005-06, the urban development budget was only ₹660 crores. In recent years, there has been a ‘historic’ increase in allocations for the urban development department.
For 2025-26, the department has been allocated nearly ₹30,325 crores, which is over 40 percent more than the previous year’s allocation, according to Vaghani.
He emphasized that the government is also focusing on extending basic amenities beyond established urban areas.
“Along with emphasizing cleanliness in cities, special attention is being given to providing basic facilities to new societies and outgrowth areas,” he said.
Vaghani reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to keeping Gujarat at the forefront of realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India 2047.’
“Urban development and the welfare of citizens will remain a priority, and development work will not halt due to a lack of funds,” he assured.
These statements come at a time when the state is expanding urban infrastructure and services in response to the development of its cities and surrounding areas.
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