The Uttarakhand government has allocated ₹1,027 crore for preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela as part of its ₹1.11 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2026–27, presented in the state assembly by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The budget emphasizes infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and social welfare, with special attention to women’s empowerment and major urban projects.
Focus on Kumbh Mela 2027
A significant highlight of the budget is the ₹1,027 crore allocation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2027, which will be held in Haridwar, one of the four traditional locations of the sacred Hindu gathering known as Kumbh Mela. The funds will support large-scale infrastructure, logistics, sanitation, and security arrangements expected to accommodate millions of pilgrims from India and abroad.
The Kumbh Mela is among the world’s largest religious gatherings, held periodically at sacred river sites. The event requires extensive preparation including temporary townships, improved connectivity, and enhanced civic facilities to manage the massive influx of devotees.
Major Infrastructure Push in Dehradun
The government has also earmarked ₹350 crore for the Rispana–Bindal elevated corridor project in Dehradun, aimed at improving urban traffic flow and strengthening city infrastructure.
The corridor project is expected to ease congestion and modernize transport infrastructure in the state capital, although environmental groups have raised concerns about potential ecological impacts.
Gender Budget for Women’s Empowerment
Another major feature of the budget is a ₹19,692 crore gender budget, intended to strengthen schemes focused on women’s welfare, nutrition, and financial independence.
The allocation will support initiatives such as:
Nanda Gaura Yojana
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
Chief Minister Mahalakshmi Kit scheme
Eija-Boi Shagun scheme
These programmes aim to improve maternal health, support girl child welfare, and boost women’s participation in the workforce.
Overall Budget Highlights
The ₹1.11 lakh crore budget around 10% higher than the previous fiscal outlay focuses on infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and employment generation.
Key financial indicators include:
Revenue expenditure: ₹64,989 crore
Capital expenditure: ₹46,713 crore
Fiscal deficit: ₹12,579 crore (below 3% of GSDP)
The government has described the budget as a roadmap for balanced development, aiming to strengthen the state’s economy while investing in tourism and social welfare.
Vision for Development
According to the state government, the budget follows a development model focused on the poor, youth, farmers, and women, positioning these groups as the core drivers of Uttarakhand’s growth in the coming years.
With major investments in religious tourism, infrastructure, and social schemes, the government hopes the initiatives will boost economic activity, create jobs, and enhance Uttarakhand’s role as a spiritual and tourism hub ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela.
