Budget 2026 Strengthens Delhi Police Operations With Higher Funding and Modernisation Push

Delhi’s policing ecosystem is unlike that of any other Indian city. As the national capital, Delhi sits at the crossroads of protest politics, international diplomacy, governance, and everyday urban crime. Recognising these unique pressures, the Union Budget 2026–2027 has provided a modest yet meaningful financial boost to the Delhi Police, reinforcing both day-to-day operations and future preparedness.

The overall allocation for the Delhi Police in Budget 2026–27 has increased by 4.57 percent, rising to ₹12,846.15 crore from ₹12,259.16 crore in the previous financial year. While the increase may appear incremental, it signals continuity and fiscal stability at a time when policing challenges in the capital are growing more complex and resource-intensive.

This enhanced allocation underlines the government’s intent to ensure that law enforcement in Delhi keeps pace with rising operational demands, inflationary pressures, and evolving security threats.

Revenue Expenditure Sees the Biggest Boost

A significant portion of the budgetary increase is directed towards revenue expenditure, which has gone up from ₹11,315.63 crore in 2025–26 to ₹11,881.55 crore in 2026–27. Revenue spending forms the backbone of policing operations and directly supports the daily functioning of the force.

This funding covers critical components such as salaries and allowances, fuel and transportation, communications systems, logistics, training programmes, forensic services, and routine operational activities. These elements collectively ensure uninterrupted law enforcement across the city.

With a workforce of over 82,000 personnel, the Delhi Police is responsible for maintaining Law and Order, crime prevention, traffic management, VIP security, counterterrorism preparedness, and crowd control during protests and major events. Sustained revenue support is therefore essential to maintain deployment strength and operational readiness.

Officials indicate that the enhanced revenue allocation allows the force to absorb rising costs without compromising response times or field deployment, ensuring consistent policing standards across the capital.

Capital Expenditure Supports Long-Term Modernisation

Capital expenditure has also registered a modest but strategically important increase, rising from ₹943.53 crore to ₹964.60 crore. Although smaller in absolute terms, this segment plays a crucial role in strengthening long-term policing capabilities.

Capital spending is aimed at modernising police stations, procuring new vehicles and weapons, upgrading surveillance infrastructure, expanding IT systems, and acquiring specialised equipment. These investments are vital for building a future-ready police force.

According to sources, even incremental capital funding supports ongoing modernisation initiatives such as integrated CCTV networks, cybercrime units, AI-driven analytics, forensic laboratory upgrades, and advanced command-and-control centres.

As organised crime, cyber Fraud, and technology-enabled offences continue to rise in Delhi, investment in modern tools and infrastructure has become indispensable for effective law enforcement.

Budget Snapshot: Delhi Police Allocation 2026–27

Expanding Responsibilities and National Importance

The increased allocation also reflects the expanding scope of Delhi Police responsibilities. From managing frequent protests and public demonstrations to ensuring high-alert security during elections, international summits, and major national events, the force operates under constant pressure.

Unlike state police forces, the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry, making its preparedness a matter of national significance. Its role extends beyond local law enforcement to safeguarding critical institutions and diplomatic missions.

Officials argue that steady budget growth enhances predictability in planning and execution, allowing the department to allocate resources more efficiently and plan long-term improvements.

Operational Flexibility and Force Morale

Policing is not only about reactive response but also about sustained presence and preparedness. Even moderate budget increases help maintain operational tempo, improve morale, and ensure that personnel are adequately supported.

Enhanced revenue flexibility also allows the Delhi Police to respond more effectively to unforeseen situations such as prolonged emergencies, disaster response operations, or sudden law-and-order challenges.

A Step Towards Stronger Urban Policing

While experts acknowledge that Delhi’s policing challenges will continue to grow due to population pressure, urban expansion, and changing crime patterns, the 2026–27 allocation is widely seen as a step in the right direction.

Rather than merely maintaining the status quo, the budget aims to gradually strengthen capacity, improve infrastructure, and support modern policing practices.

The message from Budget 2026 to the Delhi Police is clear: stability, consolidation, and progressive enhancement in an environment where security demands are relentless.

Over time, even incremental improvements can translate into sharper response times, better-equipped stations, and more effective community policing—an essential foundation for safeguarding the capital of the world’s largest democracy.