Maharashtra Sanctions Rs 1.27 Crore for Mumbai Police Mounted Unit

The Maharashtra Home Department has sanctioned Rs 1.27 crore to fully operationalise a specialized Mounted Police Unit for the Mumbai Police, with 38 personnel transferred from the armed police setup at Naigaon to manage the equestrian squad.

The initiative traces back to a government decision issued on February 28, 2019, which sanctioned the formation of an equestrian squad featuring 30 horses. Although the structural framework had been approved, dedicated capital was required for practical deployment. The Office of the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, subsequently submitted a formal fund requisition proposal on June 17, 2026.

Following review, the state government cleared the budget allocation. According to an official order, the approved funds will cover operational and logistical necessities, including the purchase of horses, specialized saddlery, riding literature, and training equipment. The allocation will also fund comprehensive medical examinations for the animals and the salaries of professional horse trainers.

To manage daily care and field operations, 38 police personnel are being transferred from the existing armed police pool at Naigaon in Mumbai. The specialized squad comprises one Police Sub-Inspector, one Assistant Police Sub-Inspector, four Police Head Constables, and 32 Police Constables.

The entire financial expenditure will be drawn from available grants for the 2026-27 financial year. The Drawing and Disbursing Officer under the Commissioner of Police, Brihanmumbai, has been authorized to withdraw and disburse the sanctioned funds.

Officials stated that the operationalisation of the Mounted Police Unit will support city policing by boosting crowd control capabilities, strengthening beach patrolling along Mumbai's coastline, and handling ceremonial duties during major state events.