The state government of Maharashtra has sanctioned a budget of Rs 1.27 crore to bring a 30‑horse mounted police unit into active service for the Mumbai Police. The allocation, announced this week, comes seven years after the unit received formal approval in 2019, marking the first financial commitment to turn the proposal into a functioning force.
The mounted unit was initially approved in 2019 as a specialised contingent to augment crowd‑control capabilities, enhance beach‑side security and perform ceremonial duties. However, the project stalled due to funding gaps and competing priorities, leaving the plan on hold until the recent budgetary endorsement. The new infusion of cash is intended to bridge that gap and move the unit from paper to pavement.
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The Rs 1.27 crore package is earmarked for a range of operational needs. It will finance the purchase and upkeep of thirty horses, including saddlery and other riding equipment. Additional provisions cover training gear for both riders and horses, routine veterinary medical checks, and the salaries of professional trainers who will oversee the unit’s readiness. These line items collectively ensure the unit can function safely and effectively from day one.
A total of thirty‑eight police personnel have been earmarked to staff the mounted division. The roster includes riders, handlers, veterinary staff and administrative support. Once operational, the unit will be deployed for crowd‑control during large public gatherings, patrols along Mumbai’s extensive coastline, and ceremonial roles such as flag‑hoisting and state functions. The presence of mounted officers is expected to provide a visible deterrent and rapid response capability in congested urban settings.
With the funding now secured, the Mumbai Police anticipate a phased rollout of the mounted unit over the coming months. Procurement of horses and equipment is slated to begin immediately, followed by intensive training programmes for the assigned officers. Officials expect the unit to be fully operational before the peak tourist season, bolstering security at beaches, festivals and other high‑attendance events across the city.
