The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, announced a 16-fold increase in urban sector investments during a press briefing. Investments in urban development have grown from ₹1,78,053 crore during 2004-14 to ₹28,52,527 crore since 2014.

The Minister said that urban development remains a key focus area to achieve the government’s target of a developed India (Vikshit Bharat) by 2047. In the last six months, urban development initiatives have been expanded to address challenges posed by increasing urbanization.

Achievements under AMRUT

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has achieved:

– Creation of 4,649 million liters per day (MLD) water treatment capacity.
– Establishment of 4,429 MLD sewage treatment capacity.

Under AMRUT 2.0, stormwater drainage projects are being prioritized to address waterlogging, along with initiatives to improve drinking water and sewerage systems.

Urban Housing and New Initiatives

The government introduced a Rental Housing Vertical under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) 2.0, targeting migrant populations. Efforts include converting vacant government houses and expediting sanctions based on state demands.

A revamped National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is also planned, with a pilot project underway in 25 cities.

Under the PM Svanidhi Scheme, loans totaling ₹13,422 crore have been disbursed to street vendors. Additionally, since June 9, 2024, the government has released over ₹1,123 crore for the Swachh Bharat Mission, which led to the remediation of major dumpsites in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, addressing 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste.