A Decade of AMRUT: Strengthening Urban Infrastructure and Services

May 5, 2026 5 Min Read

Introduction

India is celebrating 10 years of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), an important government initiative aimed at improving the quality of life in urban areas. Launched on 25 June 2015, this mission focuses on providing essential urban services such as clean water supply, proper sewerage systems, better urban transport, and green public spaces like parks.

The main goal of AMRUT is to build strong urban infrastructure that delivers better services to people, especially those from economically weaker sections. Special importance has been given to water supply and sewerage systems, ensuring that cities become healthier and more livable. Additionally, up to 2.5% of project funds are allocated for developing parks with facilities for children and elderly citizens, promoting community well-being.

The mission initially covered 500 cities and towns (now 485 cities, including merged ones) and operates as a centrally sponsored scheme, where funding is shared between the central government and states based on urban population and number of towns.

Under AMRUT, State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) worth ₹77,640 crore have been approved, including ₹35,990 crore as central assistance. So far, projects worth ₹79,401 crore have been completed, with a total expenditure of ₹72,656 crore, showing strong progress in urban development.

Key Objectives of AMRUT

Ensure every household has access to tap water with a reliable supply and proper sewerage connections
Improve the livability of cities by developing greenery, parks, and open spaces
Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and non-motorized transport such as walking and cycling

Overall, AMRUT has played a crucial role in urban transformation in India, helping cities become more sustainable, inclusive, and better equipped to meet the needs of growing populations.

Benefits and Key Components

Over the last 10 years, AMRUT has played a major role in improving urban infrastructure in India. The mission focuses on multiple areas such as water supply, sewerage systems, drainage, urban transport, green spaces, and capacity building. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have also started using smart technologies to make services more efficient and citizen-friendly.

Water Supply Improvements

AMRUT has strengthened access to clean and safe drinking water by:

Expanding and upgrading existing water supply systems
Setting up modern water treatment plants
Introducing universal water metering for better monitoring
Repairing and modernizing old infrastructure
Rejuvenating water bodies to improve groundwater recharge
Providing special solutions for difficult areas like hilly, coastal, and water-contaminated regions (arsenic, fluoride issues)

Sewerage and Wastewater Management

The mission has improved sanitation and hygiene in cities by:

Building modern underground sewerage networks
Expanding sewage treatment plants
Upgrading old sewer systems
Promoting wastewater recycling and reuse, helping conserve water resources

Septage Management

AMRUT has introduced better systems for handling waste from septic tanks:

Efficient faecal sludge management (FSM) including collection, transport, and treatment
Use of mechanical and biological cleaning methods
Focus on cost-effective operations and recovery of maintenance costs

Storm Water Drainage

To reduce urban flooding, the mission focuses on:

Building and improving storm water drains
Strengthening drainage systems to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains

Urban Transport Development

AMRUT promotes sustainable and efficient urban transport by:

Introducing buses and ferry services for inland waterways
Developing footpaths, walkways, and cycling tracks
Building foot over-bridges and multi-level parking systems
Supporting systems like Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)

Green Spaces and Parks

To improve quality of life, the mission encourages:

Development of parks and green spaces
Creating child-friendly and elderly-friendly recreational areas
Enhancing the environmental and social value of cities

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

AMRUT also focuses on improving governance and skills:

Training individuals and strengthening institutions in Urban Local Bodies
Extending capacity-building programs beyond mission cities
Continuing initiatives like the Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme (CCBP) to improve urban management

Key Achievements

AMRUT 2.0: Making Indian Cities Water-Secure

AMRUT 2.0, launched on 1 October 2021, is the next phase of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. It aims to make Indian cities water-secure, sustainable, and self-reliant by expanding essential urban services to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

The mission focuses on providing universal water supply, sewerage, and septage management, especially in the original 500 AMRUT cities. The total planned investment is around ₹2.99 lakh crore, including a central share of ₹76,760 crore over five years, making it one of India’s largest urban development programs.

“Jal Hi AMRIT” Initiative

Under AMRUT 2.0, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the “Jal Hi AMRIT” initiative. This program encourages states and UTs to:

Improve the efficiency of sewage treatment plants (STPs)
Promote safe treatment and reuse of wastewater
Strengthen water conservation and water security in cities

Key Achievements under AMRUT 2.0

1. Water Supply Expansion

3,568 water supply projects approved worth ₹1.14 lakh crore
181 lakh (18.1 million) new tap connections sanctioned
10,647 MLD water treatment capacity approved
1,487 projects using SCADA technology for smart monitoring

2. Sewerage & Septage Management

592 projects approved worth ₹67,607 crore (including operation & maintenance)
67.11 lakh new sewer connections approved
6,739 MLD sewage treatment capacity created
235 projects using SCADA technology for efficient management

3. Innovation & Start-up Support

Launch of Technology Sub-Mission to promote innovation
120 start-ups shortlisted
Pilot projects implemented in 82 AMRUT cities to encourage smart urban solutions

Overall Achievements

Physical Progress

14,828 projects worth ₹2.73 lakh crore sanctioned
Projects worth ₹1.12 lakh crore completed

Financial Progress

₹3.77 lakh crore total outlay
₹1.02 lakh crore central assistance allocated
₹97,963 crore spent by Centre, States, and ULBs
₹47,625 crore released as central funds

Major Outcomes

2.03 crore tap water connections provided
1.50 crore sewer connections created
544 water bodies rejuvenated, covering 9,511 acres

Other Initiatives

‘AMRUT Mitra’ involved 10,000+ women Self-Help Group (SHG) members.1,762 projects worth ₹147 crore approved.
Drink from Tap (DFT) through 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore sanctioned, likely to benefit 8 lakh households.3,630 contractors/officials trained.
3,032 water bodies approved for rejuvenation, covering 1.09 lakh acre area.
Capacities of States augmented by training over 90,000 contractors, plant operators, plumbers, women, youth, officials etc.

Conclusion

As AMRUT completes 10 years, it shows how India’s approach to urban development has changed for the better. The focus is now on including everyone, providing better services, and promoting sustainable growth. By improving basic facilities like water supply, sanitation, and green spaces, and by strengthening local city bodies, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation has built a strong base for cities that are more livable, modern, and ready for the future.