Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: Metro to link Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with Navi Mumbai International Airport

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: Fiscal deficit at 2.76%, state debt below 20%, says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: Motor vehicle tax revisions to boost revenue

The state budget has introduced key motor vehicle tax revisions aimed at increasing revenue.

• Tax Increase on CNG & LPG Vehicles: Currently, motor vehicle tax on non-transport four-wheeler CNG and LPG vehicles ranges from 7% to 9%, depending on the type and price. The tax rate will be increased by 1%, expected to generate ₹150 crore in additional revenue for 2025-26.
• Tax on High-End Electric Vehicles: A 6% tax will be levied on electric vehicles priced above ₹30 lakh, the budget stated.
• Increase in Maximum Tax Limit: The maximum motor vehicle tax limit will be raised from ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh, projected to bring in ₹170 crore in extra revenue for 2025-26.
• Tax on Construction Vehicles: A 7% lump sum tax will be imposed on vehicles used for construction, including cranes, compressors, projectors, and excavators, expected to generate ₹180 crore in additional revenue.
• Tax on Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs): A 7% lump sum tax will be introduced on LGVs carrying up to 7,500 kg, estimated to contribute ₹625 crore in revenue for 2025-26.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The Maharashtra government will celebrate Marathi Bhasha Sanman Din annually on October 3, announced Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the state assembly.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The revenue deficit is estimated at Rs 45,891 crore.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Maharashtra Govt to build memorial at Agra from where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Moghul custody, says Ajit Pawar.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Under the "Durgam Te Sugam" program, 45 scenic locations, including ancient temples, religious sites, forts, and mountainous areas, will be connected via ropeways.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Memorials for Sambhaji Maharaj and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

A memorial for Sambhaji Maharaj will be established at Sangameshwar.

At Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, Mumbai, work has begun on an international-standard memorial for Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Indu Mill site, with adequate funds allocated for the project.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: The state government will establish a high-tech command and control center at the Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office to enhance crime prevention and response.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Increased outlay for women’s welfare schemes

Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, 2.53 crore women have received stipends totaling ₹33,232 crore. For 2025-26, the outlay will be increased to ₹36,000 crore. Additionally, under the Lek Ladki Yojana, benefits have been provided to 1.12 lakh women.

Some women's groups have utilized subsidies from these schemes as seed capital for economic ventures, and special initiatives are being considered to further support such groups.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: Domestic flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport to begin next month; 85% work completed, trials successful, says Ajit Pawar.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: Maharashtra to Introduce New Health and Senior Citizens Policy, announces Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the budget speech.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Aaditya Thackeray urges farmer debt relief, Rs 2,500 aid for women

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Subsidy scheme for rooftop solar to cut electricity bills

The state government plans to introduce a subsidy scheme for nearly 15 million electricity consumers using 0 to 100 units of power. This initiative aims to support them in purchasing rooftop solar energy systems, ultimately helping to gradually reduce electricity bills to zero for about 70% of consumers over time.

The budget states that under the Prime Minister's Solar Home Electricity Scheme, over 1.3 lakh domestic consumers have installed rooftop solar energy systems, with subsidies exceeding ₹1,000 crore.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The ₹19,300 crore Tapi Irrigation Project has been announced to benefit North Maharashtra and West Vidarbha. Additionally, 54.7 TMC of water from west-flowing rivers will be diverted into the Godavari, enabling irrigation for 2.40 lakh hectares in Marathwada. A survey is currently underway.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The state government will introduce a new housing policy aimed at ensuring housing for all.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Since January 2024, 2,90,129 solar agricultural pumps have been installed, with around 1,000 pumps being added daily.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The Damanganga Ekdare Godavari Project will supply 3.85 TMC of water, supporting irrigation for 9,766 hectares in the Jayakwadi Dam command area and 2,987 hectares in Nashik district. The project is estimated to cost Rs 2,300 crore.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The government will establish an international fish market in Marol, Mumbai, and a silk cocoon trading market in Armori, Gadchiroli district.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Under the National Natural Farming Mission by the Central Government, a ₹255 crore fund will be provided to 2,13,625 farmers over the next two years.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Under the Chief Minister Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme, 4.5 million agricultural pumps (up to 7.5 HP) are receiving free electricity. By December 2024, an electricity subsidy of ₹7,978 crore had been provided through this scheme.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Development projects worth Rs 1,367 crore for Shirdi Airport have been approved and are in progress. Designated as a major airport in 2021, the airport will soon introduce night landing facilities, according to the budget.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Artificial intelligence will be integrated into farming, with an allocated outlay of ₹500 crore.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Land acquisition is in progress for the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway, a 760 km project with an estimated cost of ₹86,300 crore, said Ajit Pawar.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The state government will convert 6,000 MSRTC buses to CNG and LNG.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The budget states that the Metro route connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport will commence soon.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: In 2025, Mumbai will see the opening of 41.2 km of new Metro lines, while Pune will get 23 km of Metro expansion.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Key infrastructure projects to ease traffic and cut travel time

The missing link project between Khopoli and Khandala on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is set for completion by August 2025. This project is expected to reduce travel time, save fuel, and ease traffic congestion.

To improve traffic flow in Mumbai’s suburban areas, projects worth ₹64,783 crore are underway. These include the Versova to Madh Creek Bridge, Versova to Bhayander Coastal Road, Mulund to Goregaon route, Thane to Borivali route, and the Orange Gate to Marine Drive underground route, according to the budget.

The Swatantryaveer Savarkar Sea Link, a 14 km stretch from Bandra to Versova, is slated for completion by May 2028 at an estimated cost of ₹18,120 crore.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: A new policy will be introduced to offer financial incentives for modern, well-equipped boats, ensuring safer travel from Gateway of India, Mumbai to Mandwa and Elephanta.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: A third airport for Mumbai is proposed near Vadhavan Port, alongside the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station. The port will also be linked to the Samruddhi Highway for enhanced connectivity.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The state is set to save Rs 1.13 lakh crore in electricity expenses over the next five years, and also, A new passenger jetty will be constructed near the Gateway of India at Radio Club, with an estimated cost of Rs 229 crore.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Movement of goods from Vadhavan Port will start from 2030

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: The land acquisition process for the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor has begun. This project aims to promote industrial development in the state's drought-prone areas, thereby boosting job creation.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Maharashtra government to launch Maharashtra Technical Textile Mission to strengthen the textile sector and A New Innovation City will be established in Navi Mumbai.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Mumbai Metropolitan Region to be developed as global economic hub

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is set to be transformed into an international-standard economic growth hub. As part of this initiative, world-class business centers will be established at seven key locations—Bandra-Kurla Complex, Kurla-Worli, Wadala, Goregaon, Navi Mumbai, Kharghar, and Virar-Boisar.

According to the budget, this development aims to boost MMR’s economy from its current $140 billion to $300 billion by 2030, with a long-term target of reaching $1.5 trillion by 2047.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: New industrial policy to drive Rs 40 lakh crore investment, create 50 lakh jobs

Maharashtra's upcoming industrial policy for 2025 is set to be unveiled soon, targeting an investment of ₹40 lakh crore and the creation of 50 lakh jobs over the next five years.

In addition to this policy, the state will introduce sector-specific policies for space and defense production, electronics, gems and jewelry, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A dedicated regional policy for the circular economy will also be announced.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, also holding finance portfolio, presents state budget 2025-26.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Ajit Pawar will become the second Finance Minister to present the highest number of budgets (11), following Sheshrao Wankhede, who presented it 13 times. With this, Pawar surpasses Jayant Patil, who presented 10 budgets, and Sushilkumar Shinde, who did so 9 times, as stated in the press release.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Balancing welfare and fiscal prudence

As the Mahayuti government presents its first budget after the assembly polls, it faces the dual challenge of managing a mounting fiscal deficit while sustaining its welfare programs. With local body elections, including municipal corporations and gram panchayats, scheduled this year, the government must carefully balance expenditure and revenue. One key approach could be scrutinizing and optimizing welfare beneficiaries, particularly under its flagship Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Despite pre-election promises, an increase in the Ladki Bahin stipend from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per month appears unlikely in this budget.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Increased outlay for farmers likely

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has already announced an increase in the state’s allocation under the Namo Shetkari Samman Nidhi, raising the annual support for farmers from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000. This suggests that the upcoming budget will prioritize agricultural welfare, ensuring that the promised benefits reach farmers. However, questions remain about how the government will finance this expansion without exacerbating fiscal pressures.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Rising debt and growing fiscal challenges

Maharashtra’s projected debt for 2024-25 stands at Rs 7.8 lakh crore. Before the elections, the government launched welfare schemes worth Rs 96,000 crore, with the Ladki Bahin Yojana playing a key role in securing electoral victory. Post-election, the state introduced supplementary budget demands amounting to Rs 1.37 lakh crore, marking Maharashtra’s highest-ever additional expenditure beyond the planned budget. These figures highlight the significant strain on the state’s financial resources.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Escalating fiscal deficit concerns

By July 2024, Maharashtra’s fiscal deficit had already reached Rs 1.1 lakh crore. By October, the finance department issued a stark warning, projecting the deficit to touch Rs 2 lakh crore, a level deemed unsustainable. "The fiscal deficit is beyond 3% of the state’s GSDP and will not be possible to fill," the department had cautioned. Senior officials are now exploring measures to bring the deficit back within the 3% threshold mandated by fiscal management norms.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Government’s strategy for revenue generation

Despite fiscal constraints, Fadnavis has assured that the state will not cut welfare or infrastructure spending. Instead, the government plans to enhance revenue generation through various means, including borrowing, monetization schemes, and public-private partnership models such as annuity and build-operate-transfer (BOT) schemes for infrastructure projects. However, the global economic slowdown poses a significant challenge to these revenue-enhancing strategies, making effective financial planning more critical than ever.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Ajit Pawar faces rising debt challenge

As Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar prepares to present the state budget on Monday, the foremost challenge will be addressing Maharashtra’s growing debt burden, projected to surpass ?7.82 lakh crore by March 31. According to RBI data, the state’s total debt is expected to reach ?8.12 lakh crore, trailing Tamil Nadu’s ?9.55 lakh crore and Uttar Pradesh’s ?8.57 lakh crore. Senior bureaucrats indicate that a potential hike in excise duty on liquor is being considered to generate additional revenue for the Ladki Bahin scheme. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena Bhojan scheme, which provides affordable meals to the underprivileged, may face discontinuation as part of cost-cutting measures.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Ajit Pawar nears historic budget milestone amid fiscal challenges

Ajit Pawar is set to become the second finance minister in Maharashtra’s history to present the highest number of budgets, following S.K. Wankhede, who presented 13 budgets. Jayant Patil and Sushilkumar Shinde have presented 11 and nine budgets, respectively. Pawar’s extensive experience in handling state finances will be crucial in navigating the current fiscal challenges. However, with increasing expenditures and limited revenue streams, experts stress the need for structural reforms to maintain financial stability.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Rising salary, pension, and interest costs deepen fiscal woes

A senior bureaucrat highlighted that over the last decade, Maharashtra’s finance department has not undertaken significant steps to manage its rising financial liabilities. Government salary expenses have surged from Rs 62,123 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.59 lakh crore in 2024. Similarly, pension payouts have risen from Rs 17,385 crore to Rs 74,011 crore, while interest payments on state debt have increased from Rs 23,965 crore to Rs 56,727 crore. Various committees have proposed cost-cutting measures, including reducing establishment costs and merging corporations, but their recommendations have not been effectively implemented. "We expected that the CM and the two Dy CMs would begin pruning staff from their own offices. But the staff strength remains the same," the bureaucrat stated.

Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live: Populist schemes strain finances, loan dependency likely

The government faces a significant financial challenge in sustaining large-scale welfare programs, particularly the Ladki Bahin scheme, which has an estimated annual cost of ?46,000 crore and is set to benefit 2.38 crore women. Despite this massive expenditure, the state has yet to outline a concrete resource mobilization plan. A senior official expressed concerns, stating, "We don’t have resource mobilization plans. We have not given any thought to it… We may have to draw loans to tackle the unprecedented financial situation." With no alternative revenue sources in sight, Maharashtra may have to rely on additional borrowing, further exacerbating its fiscal strain.

MP Mhow Stone Pelting Live Updates: Peace restored, collector warns against misinformation

Asheesh Singh, district collector, stated, "Peace has been established here; there is no problem anywhere. Therefore, through you, I appeal to everyone to keep patience. Do not pay attention to any kind of fake news, and strict action will be taken against those who are involved in it. Further investigation is being done..."

MP Mhow Stone Pelting Live Updates: Firecracker dispute sparks clash, heavy security deployed

MP Mhow Stone Pelting Live Updates: Clash erupts during victory rally, DIG assures action

MP Mhow Stone Pelting Live: Clashes erupt after victory rally attacked with stones