Haryana budget emphasizes infrastructure and AI development in Gurugram

The Haryana government has announced a new budget for 2025-26 that aims to improve infrastructure, public transport, and business growth in Gurugram. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presented the budget in Chandigarh on Monday. Key initiatives include the establishment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission Hubs, a new Intercity Express Metro, and a heliport in Gurugram. The budget allocates significant funds to expand Gurugram’s metro system. The new metro line will connect Bata Chowk in Faridabad to Sector 56 in Gurugram. An investment of ₹300 crore has been set aside for this metro extension, with construction expected to begin in May 2025. Overall, the government plans to spend ₹4,556.53 crore on the metro project. To promote AI skills, the Haryana AI Mission will create hubs in Gurugram and Panchkula, aiming to train over 50,000 youth. This initiative will help automate government data for better governance. The World Bank has pledged ₹474 crore in support of this mission. A new heliport will be developed on a 16-acre site in Gurugram's Sector 84 to enhance air travel options. It will provide direct helicopter services to various destinations, including Chandigarh. The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) will have a budget of approximately ₹2,933.56 crore for 2025-26. The budget will support 42 major road projects and 23 initiatives for water management, with significant funds allocated for water treatment and sewage treatment plants. In additional developments, construction is planned for an international-level Aravali Jungle Safari on 10,000 acres in Gurugram and Nuh. The Chief Minister also announced plans to modernize the state transport fleet with new buses, including electric ones. The budget includes provisions for various social initiatives such as increasing agricultural subsidies and setting up a program to combat drug abuse. Furthermore, efforts are being made to empower women and support horticulture with new projects and loans. For sports, the government has set aside ₹20 crore to prepare athletes for upcoming Olympic games, along with new health insurance plans for sportspeople and the establishment of sports nurseries across the state.