Nine Greenfield Expressways, Khatu Shyam Temple Corridor Among Rajasthan Budget Announcements: 10 Highlights Here

On Wednesday (10 July), Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the state budget for 2024-25 in the assembly.

This marks the first comprehensive budget presented by Kumari, who has previously delivered a vote on account in the assembly on 8 February.

Here are the key announcements from Kumari's budget speech:

1. Health Budget Allocation

A total of Rs 27,660 crore, representing 8.2 per cent of the state's total budget has been allocated for health sector.

2. Greenfield Expressways

For the first time, nine greenfield expressways totaling over 2,750 km will be constructed. A detailed project report will be prepared at a cost of Rs 30 crore.

These expressways include — Jaipur-Kishangarh, Ajmer, Jodhpur (350 km), Kotputli-Kishangarh (181 km), Jaipur-Bhilwara (193 km), Bikaner-Kotputli (295 km), Beawar-Bharatpur (342 km), Jalore-Jhalawar (402 km), Ajmer-Banswara (358 km), Jaipur-Phalodi (342 km), Sri Ganganagar-Kotputli (290 km).

3. Jobs And Education

Four lakh vacancies will be filled in the next five years, with a policy to be framed for youths.

Meritorious school students in the state will receive free tablets with Internet access.

4. De-Addiction Centres

Ten districts, including Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh, will have 25-bed de-addiction centres established.

5. Water-Related Projects

Rs 20,370 crore is designated for six projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), benefiting 5,846 villages.

Meanwhile, Rs 187 crore is allocated for various small projects to enhance drinking water supply.

6. Amrut 2.0 Scheme And Renewable Energy Goals

Under the Amrut 2.0 scheme, Rs 5,180 crore will fund projects across 185 urban settlements over the next two years.

The target for renewable energy generation is raised to 33,600 MW.

7. Transportation And Road Infrastructure Projects

The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) will receive 500 new buses within two years, including 300 electric buses. Additionally, 800 service buses will be introduced.

A new service initiative has called Lok Parivahan Sewa has been announced which aims to improve connectivity in rural areas.

Major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Bikaner and Bharatpur will have modern shelter cum charging stations for electric buses. These cities will also see the addition of 300 electric buses to their public transport systems.

New road projects worth Rs 60,000 crore will be initiated, including the construction of bypass roads and state highways. Additionally, road repairs, railway bridges, underpasses, and flyover work will be carried out at a cost of Rs 9,000 crore.

8. Electrification Of Homes

A total of 208,000 homes currently without electricity will receive domestic connections within the next two years. The PM Suryaghar Yojana will develop model solar villages, and over 2.5 million smart metres will be installed this year to prevent electricity leakage.

9. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple Corridor

Development of the Khatu Shyam Ji temple corridor will be undertaken with an investment of Rs 100 crore.

10. Sports Policy 2024

A new sports policy 2024 has been announced for promoting sports in the state under which a sports life insurance scheme of Rs 25 lakh has been included.