Union Budget 2026: Maharashtra Gets Bigger Share, Says CM Fadnavis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, calling it a strong step towards building a developed India. Addressing the media after the budget presentation, Fadnavis said Maharashtra would receive ₹98,306 crore through tax devolution, a significant increase of nearly ₹20,000 crore compared to the previous financial year.
According to the chief minister, the increased allocation reflects Maharashtra’s importance in India’s economic growth and will help accelerate development across the state.
₹12,355 Crore Allocated for Key Projects in Maharashtra
Fadnavis said Maharashtra has been allocated ₹12,355 crore specifically for various development projects under different central schemes. He added that this funding would support infrastructure, urban development, and economic growth initiatives across multiple regions.
The chief minister also highlighted that out of the ₹12.2 lakh crore planned for infrastructure investment nationwide, Maharashtra is expected to receive a major share.
Growth Hubs Announced for Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur
₹5,000 Crore Each Over Five Years
One of the key announcements highlighted by Fadnavis was the creation of growth hubs in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. Each of these cities will receive ₹5,000 crore over the next five years.
He said this initiative will significantly benefit Maharashtra, as it is one of India’s most urbanised states. The budget includes a special focus on cities with populations above 500,000, which places Maharashtra in a strong position to attract investment and infrastructure upgrades.
High-Speed Rail Corridors to Boost State Economy
Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Hyderabad Corridors Highlighted
Fadnavis said the proposed Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Hyderabad high-speed corridors would play a crucial role in boosting Maharashtra’s economy. He noted that faster connectivity would help increase the state’s GDP and drive development in regions such as Marathwada and western Maharashtra.
The chief minister said these corridors would strengthen links between major economic hubs, improve mobility, and support industrial growth.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Welcomes Budget Push
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also praised the Union Budget, saying it would speed up the overall development of Maharashtra.
He said the focus on infrastructure and urban growth would help Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities grow faster, while also strengthening Mumbai’s role as India’s financial capital. According to Shinde, this balanced development approach would create new economic opportunities across the state.
Opposition Slams Budget, Calls It Inadequate for Maharashtra
Aaditya Thackeray Questions Lack of Clarity
The opposition parties, however, criticised the Union Budget, saying Maharashtra did not receive anything concrete.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that despite being one of the biggest contributors to the central government’s revenue, Maharashtra continues to be ignored. He questioned the lack of clear measures to generate employment and demanded clarity on major announcements.
Raising concerns about the Mumbai-Pune high-speed railway, Thackeray asked whether it would be a bullet train, Vande Bharat service, or an upgrade of existing trains. He also questioned the project timeline and whether it would be fully funded by the Centre or require state contribution.
Demand for Financial Hub in Mumbai Raised Again
Thackeray also reiterated his demand for an International Financial Services Centre in Mumbai. He said that if the budget was truly meant for all of India, Mumbai should have been considered for such a centre, along with other major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi.
According to him, such a move would have strengthened Mumbai’s global financial standing and created large-scale employment.
Congress Calls Budget Directionless
Farmers and MSMEs Ignored, Says Party
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal also criticised the Union Budget, calling it directionless and lacking vision.
He said the budget failed to address the needs of farmers and the MSME sector, which are major sources of employment. According to Sapkal, ignoring these sectors would hurt job creation and economic stability.
Rising Inequality a Major Concern, Says Congress
Sapkal further said the budget did not address the issue of rising economic inequality in the country. He pointed out that nearly 40 percent of India’s total wealth is controlled by just 1 percent of the population.
He warned that failing to tackle inequality could have serious long-term consequences for India’s social and economic future.
Mixed Reactions as Maharashtra Looks Ahead
While the Maharashtra government has hailed the Union Budget as a strong growth-oriented plan, the opposition remains unconvinced, calling for clearer commitments and stronger focus on employment and social equity.
As funds begin to flow and projects move towards implementation, the real impact of the budget on Maharashtra’s economy, infrastructure, and livelihoods will become clearer in the coming months.
