NAGPUR: Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s record surplus budget of Rs 6,202.99 crore for 2026-27, presented by Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare without imposing any additional tax, was seen as an ambitious blueprint for urban transformation. However, just three months into its implementation, the civic body’s development roadmap has come to a standstill.
Delays from the outset
Red tape, hurdles in software migration and repeated electoral and legislative disruptions have put dozens of major welfare and infrastructure schemes at risk of remaining paper promises, with the financial year rapidly drawing to a close.
The setback began with procedural delays. Local body elections held in January this year pushed the budget presentation to the end of June, around one-and-a-half months behind schedule. As a result, formal administrative implementation was delayed until August 1.
New digital system adds to confusion
The process slowed further after the civic administration introduced a digital “work module” system for file processing and bill clearance. The NMC information technology officer clarified that files already at the tender or work-order stage would 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.
Model code in force until October 27
Adding to the deadlock is the model code of conduct, in force until October 27, which prevents the Standing Committee from approving fresh project files or issuing tenders. Once the code is lifted, the Diwali festival and extensive preparations for the Maharashtra state legislature’s winter session, beginning on December 7, will consume administrative time. This will leave only a negligible working window for approving civic projects.
Major projects at risk
The looming deadline crisis threatens key infrastructure projects, including 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 on the lines of Central Vista.
Welfare schemes face uncertainty
The future of several important social welfare initiatives is also uncertain. These include the “Mahapaur Maher Yojana”; shelters called “Thiyya” for workers in 10 zones; the “Saoji and Weaver 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 the Pachpaoli sickle-cell day-care centre.
Burden likely to spill into next year
Incomplete projects will carry substantial liabilities into 2027-28, forcing the civic body to finance past commitments instead of funding new initiatives. When contacted for expenditure figures, the chief accounts and finance officer said budget expenditure is compiled only in December.
With preparations for the 2027-28 budget also beginning in December, the administration faces a dual challenge: executing stalled works while planning for the future. This has raised serious questions about the actual utilisation of the Rs 6,202-crore provision.
