Bhubaneswar, April 7: Odisha continues to set benchmarks in urban development with its exemplary performance under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, emerging as a leading State in implementation and service delivery, said an official release on Tuesday.
According to the release, a total of 99 projects has already been completed across Odisha, while the remaining are progressing steadily across various stages of implementation. The State has achieved near-total utilization of available funds, reflecting robust financial planning and efficient project management.
Launched in October 2021 and extended up to March 2027, AMRUT 2.0 aims to ensure universal water supply, rejuvenation of water bodies and improved urban infrastructure across cities.
In Odisha, the mission has witnessed significant progress across 89 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with 345 projects approved at an estimated cost of Rs 4030.18 crore, covering both water supply and waterbody rejuvenation initiatives.
Under AMRUT 2.0, Odisha has made notable strides in strengthening urban water infrastructure. Seven Water Treatment Plants with a combined capacity of 43 MLD have been commissioned, benefitting 2.83 lakhs of citizens. In addition, 24x7 water supply systems have been operationalised in key urban centres, alongside the provision of over 2.7 lakh household water connections. Overall, more than 5 lakh urban residents have directly benefited from these interventions.
Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said, “Securing the top rank under AMRUT 2.0 reflects Odisha's focused approach towards ensuring reliable water access and stronger urban infrastructure. Our priority is clear— every household should have access to safe water, every city should have efficient systems and every ULB should be Empowered to deliver better services.”
He said, “We will continue to build cities that are resilient, inclusive and future-ready, aligned with the vision of a Viksit Odisha.”
The State has also actively leveraged complementary initiatives of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Under “Pay Jal Survekshan” and “Jai Hi AMRUT” programmes, Odisha has secured incentives and is advancing projects for improved water management and reuse. Community-driven initiatives such as “AMRUT Mitra and Women for Tree” programmes have further strengthened environmental sustainability, with plantation drives and waterbody rejuvenation undertaken through women Self Help Groups.
In a forward-looking approach, Odisha has initiated innovative financing mechanisms under the “Credit Enhancement Initiative”, enabling smaller ULBs to undertake infrastructure projects and expand service delivery.
