Chandigarh, Dec. 2 -- Punjab has reported a 36% decline in capital expenditure (capex) during the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, as compared to last year.

The state government spent Rs.1,760 crore on capex during the April-September period, which is only 17% of the Rs.10,302 crore earmarked in the budget for the purpose for the current fiscal year, according to official data maintained by the audit and accounts department. In comparison, the state government had spent Rs.2,773 crore on capital expenditure during the corresponding period last year. The percentage of the capex utilised then was also significantly higher at 37%, out of the budgeted outlay of Rs.7,445 crore for 2024-25.

Capital expenditure refers to government in...