Push for urban growth, metro expansion, e-buses, and 10 lakh new homes

Bhopal: Urban development was a major highlight of the budget. Finance minister Jagdish Devda announced a Rs 21,562 crore allocation for modernising cities, expanding green infrastructure and improving housing.The budget presentation saw Devda emphasise that metro rail services commenced in Bhopal and Indore, while 972 electric buses were approved under the PM e-Bus Seva, with 472 already operating in key cities. The MP E-Vehicle Policy 2025 was also rolled out to promote sustainable transport.
Notifications were issued for the Bhopal and Indore Metropolitan Region Development Authorities (IMRDA), ensuring planned infrastructure and investment opportunities. The Integrated Township Policy 2025 is being implemented to support sustainable and green urban growth, he said.Housing remains a priority, with Madhya Pradesh leading in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). So far, 8.77 lakh houses were constructed, with a target of 10 lakh new homes in the next five years. Additionally, Rs 408 crore in interest-free loans was extended to 1.79 lakh urban street vendors.The budget also introduced the Shraddha Nagar Scheme, setting a Rs 5,000 crore investment target over three years for ward-level infrastructure. Specific provisions include Rs 2,316 crore for housing, Rs 349 crore for road repairs, Rs 3,467 crore under Amrut 2020, and Rs 157 crore as a one-time grant for basic services to urban bodies.