Panvel Municipal Corporation Unveils Rs 3,873.86 Crore Budget for 2025-26, Focuses on Infrastructure & Public Health

Panvel: The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has presented a Rs 3,873.86 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing infrastructure development, public health, and efficient administration. The budget, which does not include any tax hikes, was presented by Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Mangesh Gawde and submitted to Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale during an administrative standing committee meeting on Tuesday.

Major Allocation

A major portion of the budget has been allocated to infrastructure projects across the city. Rs158 crore has been earmarked for the construction of a new administrative building, while Rs38 crore has been set aside for the Mayor’s residence and new ward offices. Road development, including concrete and asphalt resurfacing, will receive Rs 437 crore, and sports facilities across the city have been allocated Rs 57 crore.

The municipal library and theater in Kharghar will be developed with a budget of Rs14 crore. Additionally, flood prevention measures near the Gadhi River, including a protective barrage and pumping station, have been granted Rs 17.50 crore, while Rs 35 crore has been allocated for desilting and maintenance of the Holding Pond in Kalamboli.

To enhance cleanliness and solid waste management, PMC has planned major initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Mega sweeping machines will be deployed across four wards, with Rs 11.38 crore set aside for dust control measures. The corporation is also partnering with CIDCO to establish a Waste-to-Energy project, with Rs10 crore allocated for its implementation. In total, Rs 221 crore has been earmarked for waste collection, transportation, and workforce management.

Health

Healthcare remains a priority, with Rs126 crore allocated for public health services. The budget includes Rs17.50 crore for the construction of the Hirakani Mother & Child Care Center, a 450-bed hospital, while work is underway on Urban Primary Health Centers in Kalundre, New Panvel, and Kharghar. A 50-bed hospital in Kalamboli will be developed with a budget of Rs10 crore.

Fire Fighting

PMC is also strengthening fire and emergency services with a budget of Rs39 crore. The fire department will receive advanced fire engines, emergency rescue tenders, and a 22-meter turntable ladder, along with water bowser vehicles. Additionally, a high-tech aerial ladder platform vehicle with a 70-meter height will be procured. A new fire station in Kamothe has been planned, with Rs17 crore allocated for its construction.

Sewage Treatment Plant

For sewage and drainage improvements, Rs 178 crore has been earmarked. A 15 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (TTP) in Kamothe will be developed with Rs 40 crore, while Rs 25.49 crore has been allocated for a new sewage plant in sectors 19, 20, and 21.

Education

The education sector will see Rs 34 crore allocated for new school buildings. Municipal schools will receive Rs 83 crore for infrastructure upgrades, teacher salaries, and student skill development programs. An additional Rs10.72 crore has been set aside for the repair and maintenance of schools built by the Raigad Zilla Parishad.

Safety and Security

Public safety has also been prioritized, with Rs107 crore allocated for installing CCTV cameras at major intersections, entry points, and municipal offices across the city to enhance security, particularly for women.

What Municipal Commissioner Says?

Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale stated that the budget is aimed at boosting revenue, improving health services, adopting modern education strategies, securing new water sources, enhancing public cleanliness, and promoting environmental sustainability.