The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme, launched on October 1, 2021, continues to make strides towards transforming Indian cities into self-reliant and water-secure urban centers. Focused on key areas such as universal coverage of sewerage and septage management in 500 cities, rejuvenation of water bodies, and the development of green spaces, AMRUT 2.0 aims to modernize urban infrastructure and enhance water security.
With a total indicative outlay of ₹2,99,000 crore over five years, including a central share of ₹76,760 crore, the scheme has received approval for 8,998 projects worth ₹1,89,458.55 crore, as reported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The projects, which include Operations & Maintenance (O&M) costs, are being funded by MoHUA to States and Union Territories (UTs), which, in turn, release funds to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and implementing agencies.
As part of the AMRUT 2.0 guidelines, all States and UTs were required to complete and approve their State Water Action Plans (SWAP) within two years of the mission’s launch. As of now, ₹63,976.77 crore has been approved out of the ₹66,750 crore allocated for central assistance, though some States, including Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, have not yet had their SWAPs approved for 90% of the allocated funds.
According to the latest update on the AMRUT 2.0 portal (as of November 15, 2024), contracts have been awarded for 4,916 projects worth ₹85,114.01 crore. A further 1,198 projects are at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, with instructions for States to expedite the process. The remaining projects are at various stages of implementation.
From the approved central assistance of ₹63,976.77 crore, ₹11,756.13 crore has been released so far to States and UTs. Of this, ₹6,539.45 crore has been utilized, bringing the cumulative expenditure—together with State contributions—to ₹17,089 crore. Notably, works worth ₹23,016.30 crore have already been physically completed.
AMRUT 2.0 is designed to support large infrastructure projects with long gestation periods, and monitoring the implementation is crucial for the mission’s success. At the State/UT level, the formation of State High Powered Steering Committees (SHPSCs), led by Chief Secretaries, ensures effective oversight. These committees are supported by the State Level Technical Committees (SLTCs), headed by the Secretary of the Urban Development & Housing Department. At the national level, an Apex Committee reviews and monitors progress periodically.
Additionally, Independent Review and Monitoring Agencies (IRMAs) are tasked with assessing the work done under AMRUT 2.0. Funds are released only after the satisfactory compliance of IRMA reports. The progress of the scheme is also regularly reviewed through video conferences, webinars, workshops, and site visits by MoHUA, ensuring that projects remain on track.
