06/03/2026
The Maharashtra State Budget for 2026–27, presented on March 6, 2026, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, included several major allocations and infrastructure projects specifically for Pune.
The city is positioned as a central "growth hub" in the state’s vision to become a $5 trillion economy by 2047. Here are the key takeaways for Pune:
1. Transportation & Infrastructure
• Lonavala–Pune Fourth Rail Line: A massive allocation of nearly ₹5,000 crore was announced for the development of a fourth railway line.
• Underground Tunnel Network: Key stretches include Yerawada to Katraj and Hinjewadi to Sinhagad Road.
• Metro Expansion: Pune Metro received continued support as part of the state's plan to develop 1,200 km of metro lines by 2047. Currently, Pune is part of the 173 km of operational track in the state, with more routes expected to become operational in the coming year.
• High-Speed Rail: The budget proposed dedicated funding and faster ex*****on for the Mumbai–Pune High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) corridor.
2. Economy & Industry
• Global Capability Centre (GCC) Corridor: The Mumbai–Pune GCC corridor was highlighted as a top destination for global tech and innovation hubs. The new state GCC policy aims to create 4 lakh job opportunities across 400 new centers.
• Growth Hub Status: Pune, along with Mumbai and Nagpur, will be developed as a major "growth hub" with a combined state and central investment pool of ₹5,000 crore over the next five years.
3. Regional Development (Baramati & Pimpri-Chinchwad)
• Ajit Pawar Memorial: Following the passing of former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in early 2026, the budget announced the setting up of a memorial for him near Baramati.
• PCMC Budget: Separately, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) presented a ₹9,322 crore budget focusing on river rejuvenation (Mula and Indrayani), a new 700-bed hospital in Moshi, and a cancer hospital in Thergaon.
4. Environment & Tourism
• Atal Setu Link: An elevated road connecting the Atal Setu to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is planned for completion by February 2027 at a cost of ₹1,102 crore.
• Environmental Tax: Note that owners of older private vehicles (BS-IV and below) in Pune will see a doubling of the environment tax (e.g., two-wheelers increasing from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000).