Delhi has recorded over Rs 6,300 crore in excise revenue for 2025-26, marking an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the previous financial year, according to official data. This has strengthened excise as one of the government’s biggest sources of income.
Encouraged by the growth, the Excise Department has set a higher target of Rs 7,200 crore for the current year. Revenue growth remained steady throughout the year. By January 31, the department had already collected Rs 4,992.69 crore, putting it well on track to cross its Rs 6,000 crore target. The final figures show that collections increased consistently rather than rising sharply at the end of the year.
Wider access and changing consumption trends
According to NDTV, the Excise Department has expanded its reach across the city to meet rising demand while keeping the market regulated. At present, there are 810 liquor vends operating in Delhi, along with 178 wholesale licences and 14 modern walk-in outlets in malls.
Consumption patterns are also changing. The market now offers 1,728 liquor brands and includes 11 microbreweries. This shows a shift towards premium and craft segments, which usually bring higher margins. The excise system is also closely linked to the hospitality sector. Around 1,085 hotels, clubs and restaurants hold licences and contribute significantly to revenue through high-value consumption.
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Enforcement, digital push and future outlook
Alongside expansion, enforcement has remained a key focus. Authorities have registered 540 FIRs, made 540 arrests, seized 210 vehicles and confiscated more than 1.5 lakh bottles of illegal liquor this year. In addition, 436 cases of public drinking have been booked under relevant rules. The department has also moved to a paperless system through the new eAbkari portal, replacing the earlier ESCIMS platform. Licensing and revenue processes are now fully online, and a track and trace feature has been introduced for consumers.
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A mobile app is also being developed to help users locate liquor vends, check stock and file complaints. Quality checks have been strengthened as well, with over 7,500 samples tested this year by the Excise Control Laboratory. With revenue rising, access expanding, and systems becoming more digital, Delhi’s excise framework is moving towards a more structured model. The key challenge ahead will be maintaining this growth while ensuring strict control and enforcement.
