Shimla, Feb 27,
Shimla MC Mayor Surinder Chauhan has presented a ₹188.35 crore budget for the year 2025-26, focusing on urban infrastructure, sustainability, and efficient governance. Additionally, ₹500 crore has been projected under the Smart City initiative, primarily for the development of commercial complexes and municipal offices.
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Among the expenditures, nearly 70% of the spending—₹70.51 crore—would go towards salaries and pensions.
Revenue for the municipal corporation is expected to be bolstered by ₹21 crore from municipal taxes, including property tax reforms linked to GIS mapping. Other major sources of income include ₹35.80 crore from state and central grants, ₹14.14 crore from rental income, and ₹8.81 crore from user charges like waste management and parking fees.
The budget prioritizes infrastructure development, with ₹90.24 crore allocated to capital projects. Key initiatives include a ₹60 crore Waste to Wonder Park, a ₹15 crore solar lighting initiative, and ₹92.79 crore for multi-level parking complexes in areas like Vikas Nagar and IGMC Auditorium. Additionally, a ₹500 crore Smart City multiplex will span from Cart Road to Lakkar Bazar.
To promote sustainability, the corporation plans to plant 5,000 saplings, introduce electric vehicles for municipal operations, and develop biomethanation plants to convert organic waste into energy.
Citizen welfare is also a focus, with ₹1.8 crore allocated for Pink Toilets and ₹15 crore for designated vending zones.
Mayor Surinder Chauhan emphasized that the budget balances fiscal prudence with sustainable urban development, ensuring that Shimla continues to modernize while preserving its heritage.
