Telangana Seeks Rs 30,000 Crore in Anticipation of Union Budget 2025
As the country awaits the Union Budget 2025, all eyes are on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is set to unveil the budget on Saturday. Telangana has high hopes for significant financial support from the central government to fund critical infrastructure and development projects across the state.
The Telangana government has already submitted detailed proposals to the central government, outlining its need for funding across various high-priority initiatives. These include projects related to infrastructure, water management, and urban development, which are essential to the state’s growth plans.
—
Key Projects and Priorities
Telangana has identified several major projects requiring central assistance. Among these are the Hyderabad Regional Ring Road (RRR), the Musi River Revitalization Project, and the expansion of the metro rail network. The state has emphasized that timely completion of these initiatives is vital for regional development and has sought adequate funding to achieve this.
The government is also pushing for the fulfillment of commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation Act. These funds are necessary to boost urban infrastructure and support Telangana’s overall growth.
—
Musi River Revitalization and Water Supply
For the revival of the Musi River, Telangana has proposed a budget of Rs 14,000 crore. The project aims to enhance the river’s health and improve urban water quality. The funds are planned to be allocated in phases to ensure smooth and sustainable progress.
In addition, the state has requested funding for the diversion of Godavari waters to address Greater Hyderabad’s increasing drinking water needs. This initiative also aims to ensure a continuous flow of clean water in the Musi River, benefiting the health and well-being of Hyderabad’s residents.
—
Road Connectivity and Metro Expansion
Improving road connectivity is another priority for the state. Telangana has sought central support for constructing radial roads that would link Hyderabad city with the Regional Ring Road. These upgrades aim to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity.
To address Hyderabad’s growing traffic challenges, the state has also requested funds for expanding the metro rail system. A key proposal involves extending the metro rail to Shamshabad Airport, enabling better connectivity across major areas of the city.
—
Shortfalls in Grants and Future Needs
The Telangana government has expressed concerns over reduced grants from the central government in recent years. In 2022-23, the state was allocated Rs 13,179 crore, but this amount dropped to Rs 9,730 crore in 2023-24. This shortfall has delayed several important projects.
In the current fiscal year, Telangana received only Rs 4,771 crore in the first nine months, with an additional Rs 5,000 crore unlikely to materialize. This has left the state with fewer resources to fund its ambitious programs.
To address these challenges, Telangana is requesting nearly Rs 30,000 crore in grants for the upcoming year. These funds are critical to ensuring the smooth execution of ongoing and future projects without delays.
—
Hopes for Union Budget 2025
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget, Telangana remains hopeful that its requests will be addressed. The state’s development plans depend heavily on financial support from the central government. Without adequate funding, several key projects could face delays or disruptions, posing a significant challenge to Telangana’s growth trajectory.
