New Delhi: On June 25, 2025, India marked a monumental milestone in its urban development journey, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), AMRUT has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to enhance urban living standards, focusing on critical areas like water supply, sewerage, urban mobility, and green spaces. Over the past decade, this transformative initiative has redefined urban infrastructure across 485 cities, delivering tangible improvements in quality of life for millions of citizens. With the launch of AMRUT 2.0 in 2021, the mission continues to expand its reach, aiming for universal water and sewerage coverage across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
What is AMRUT?
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), launched on June 25, 2015, is India’s first water-focused mission aimed at improving basic civic amenities in urban areas. Administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, AMRUT is a centrally sponsored scheme with funds allocated to states and Union Territories (UTs) based on urban population and the number of towns. Initially covering 500 selected cities and towns (now 485 due to mergers), the mission focuses on delivering essential services such as tap water, sewerage connections, stormwater drainage, non-motorized transport, and green spaces.
The key objectives of AMRUT include:
- Ensuring every household has access to a tap and sewerage connection.
- Enhancing the amenity value of cities by developing parks and green spaces.
- Reducing pollution through public transport and non-motorized urban mobility.
- Strengthening Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) through capacity building and governance reforms.
AMRUT’s inclusive approach prioritizes the urban poor, ensuring equitable access to infrastructure and services. A unique feature is the allocation of up to 2.5% of project costs for developing child- and elderly-friendly parks, making cities more livable for all age groups.
Achievements of AMRUT (2015–2025)
Over the past decade, AMRUT has made remarkable strides in transforming urban India. With State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) worth ₹77,640 crore approved and ₹35,990 crore committed as Central Assistance, the mission has completed projects worth ₹79,401 crore, with an expenditure of ₹72,656 crore. Below is a detailed breakdown of its achievements across key sectors:
Water Supply
AMRUT has prioritized water security by augmenting water systems, constructing treatment plants, implementing universal metering, and rejuvenating water bodies. Special provisions have been made for challenging terrains like hilly and coastal regions. Key achievements include:
- 2.03 crore tap connections provided, ensuring millions of households have access to clean drinking water.
- Under AMRUT 2.0, 3,568 water supply projects worth ₹1,14,220.62 crore have been approved, adding 181 lakh new tap connections and 10,647 MLD (million liters per day) of water treatment capacity.
- 1,487 projects equipped with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology for real-time monitoring and efficient water management.
- The ‘Drink from Tap’ initiative has sanctioned 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore, set to benefit 8 lakh households with direct access to potable water.
Sewerage and Septage Management
AMRUT has revolutionized sanitation by focusing on underground sewer networks, rehabilitating old systems, and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater. Faecal sludge management (FSM) and mechanical cleaning of septic tanks have also been prioritized. Achievements include:
- 1.50 crore sewer connections provided, improving sanitation outcomes for millions.
- Under AMRUT 2.0, 592 projects worth ₹67,607.67 crore have been approved, adding 67.11 lakh new sewer connections and 6,739 MLD of sewage treatment capacity.
- Decentralized networks and FSM have been promoted to ensure sustainable sanitation solutions.
Stormwater Drainage
To mitigate urban flooding, AMRUT has invested in stormwater drainage systems. These projects have significantly reduced waterlogging in cities, enhancing urban resilience.
Green Spaces and Water Bodies
AMRUT has placed a strong emphasis on improving the livability of cities through green initiatives:
- 544 water bodies covering 9,511 acres have been rejuvenated under AMRUT, with an additional 3,032 water bodies approved for rejuvenation under AMRUT 2.0.
- Parks with child- and elderly-friendly amenities have been developed, enhancing recreational spaces and community well-being.
Urban Mobility
AMRUT has promoted sustainable urban transport by focusing on non-motorized options and public infrastructure:
- Development of footpaths, cycle tracks, ferry services, Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), and multi-level parking facilities.
- These initiatives have reduced urban congestion and pollution while improving accessibility.
Energy Efficiency
A significant achievement of AMRUT is its contribution to energy conservation:
- 99 lakh LED streetlights installed, leading to annual savings of 666 crore kWh and a reduction of 46 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Financing and Capacity Building
AMRUT has empowered ULBs through innovative financing and skill development:
- 13 ULBs raised ₹4,984 crore through municipal bonds, showcasing financial innovation.
- Over 90,000 individuals, including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, youth, and officials, have been trained to strengthen institutional and operational capabilities.
- The Technology Sub-Mission under AMRUT 2.0 has shortlisted 120 start-ups for pilot projects across 82 cities, fostering urban innovation.
AMRUT 2.0: Scaling Up the Vision
Building on the success of the original mission, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on October 1, 2021, with a five-year timeline (2021–2026). Unlike its predecessor, AMRUT 2.0 covers all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India, aiming for universal water and sewerage coverage and water security. With a total indicative outlay of ₹2.99 lakh crore, including a Central share of ₹76,760 crore, AMRUT 2.0 is a bold step towards self-reliant and sustainable cities.
Key highlights of AMRUT 2.0 include:
- Water Supply: 3,568 projects worth ₹1,14,220.62 crore, delivering 181 lakh tap connections and 10,647 MLD of water treatment capacity.
- Sewerage and Septage Management: 592 projects worth ₹67,607.67 crore, adding 67.11 lakh sewer connections and 6,739 MLD of sewage treatment capacity.
- Water Reuse and Recycling: Initiatives like Jal Hi AMRIT promote the safe treatment and reuse of water, enhancing sustainability.
- AMRUT Mitra: This innovative program engages over 10,000 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in water monitoring and awareness activities, empowering communities and fostering gender-inclusive development.
Combined Impact of AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0
Together, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have sanctioned 14,828 projects worth ₹2,73,649 crore, with works worth ₹1,12,368 crore physically completed. The total Central Assistance allocated is ₹1,02,786 crore, with ₹47,625 crore disbursed so far. The missions have delivered:
- 2.03 crore tap water connections, ensuring access to clean water for millions of households.
- 1.50 crore sewerage connections, improving sanitation and public health.
- 544 water bodies rejuvenated, with plans to restore 3,032 more, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- 99 lakh LED streetlights, driving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
- Training for over 90,000 individuals, building a skilled workforce for urban governance.
Innovative Initiatives Under AMRUT
AMRUT has introduced several innovative programs to enhance its impact:
- Jal Hi AMRIT: Focuses on treating and reusing water safely, promoting sustainable water management.
- AMRUT Mitra: Engages SHG women in water management and community awareness, fostering grassroots participation.
- Technology Sub-Mission: Supports 120 start-ups to develop innovative solutions for urban challenges.
- Drink from Tap: Ensures direct access to potable water, with 381 projects benefiting 8 lakh households.
Why AMRUT Matters
The success of AMRUT reflects India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development. By addressing critical areas like water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and green spaces, the mission has improved the quality of life for millions while laying the foundation for resilient, future-ready cities. The emphasis on capacity building, financial innovation, and community participation ensures that ULBs are equipped to sustain these improvements.
The 10th anniversary of AMRUT, celebrated on June 25, 2025, underscores its transformative impact. From providing 2.03 crore tap connections to rejuvenating 544 water bodies, AMRUT has set a benchmark for urban development. With AMRUT 2.0 expanding its scope to all ULBs, the mission is poised to achieve universal water and sewerage coverage, making Indian cities more livable, sustainable, and inclusive.
Conclusion
As India celebrates a decade of AMRUT, the mission stands as a testament to the power of visionary planning and execution. By delivering essential services, fostering innovation, and empowering communities, AMRUT has reshaped urban India. With ₹2.73 lakh crore worth of projects and millions of lives impacted, the mission continues to drive India’s urban transformation. As AMRUT 2.0 carries forward this legacy, India is on track to build cities that are not only infrastructure-rich but also equitable, sustainable, and prepared for the challenges of the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)?
AMRUT is a centrally sponsored scheme launched on June 25, 2015, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to improve urban infrastructure in India. It focuses on providing tap water, sewerage connections, stormwater drainage, non-motorized transport, and green spaces in 485 cities (initially 500, reduced due to mergers). Its key objective is to ensure every household has access to clean water and sanitation while enhancing urban livability through parks and sustainable transport.
2. What are the key achievements of AMRUT over the past decade (2015–2025)?
AMRUT has delivered significant outcomes, including 2.03 crore tap water connections, 1.50 crore sewer connections, rejuvenation of 544 water bodies covering 9,511 acres, and installation of 99 lakh LED streetlights, saving 666 crore kWh annually and reducing 46 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Additionally, 13 Urban Local Bodies raised ₹4,984 crore through municipal bonds, and over 90,000 individuals were trained for capacity building.
3. What is AMRUT 2.0, and how does it differ from the original AMRUT mission?
AMRUT 2.0, launched on October 1, 2021, extends the mission’s scope to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India for 2021–2026, with a total outlay of ₹2.99 lakh crore (₹76,760 crore Central share). Unlike the original mission, which covered 485 cities, AMRUT 2.0 aims for universal water and sewerage coverage, promotes water reuse through initiatives like Jal Hi AMRIT, and engages communities via programs like AMRUT Mitra, involving over 10,000 women from Self-Help Groups.
4.What are some innovative initiatives under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0?
AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have introduced initiatives like Jal Hi AMRIT for safe water treatment and reuse, AMRUT Mitra to engage SHG women in water management, the Technology Sub-Mission supporting 120 start-ups across 82 cities, and the Drink from Tap initiative, with 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore to benefit 8 lakh households with direct potable water access.
5.How has AMRUT contributed to sustainable urban development in India?
AMRUT has enhanced urban sustainability by providing 2.03 crore tap connections and 1.50 crore sewer connections, rejuvenating 544 water bodies, and approving 3,032 more for restoration. It has reduced pollution through 99 lakh LED streetlights and promoted non-motorized transport like cycle tracks and footpaths. Capacity building for over 90,000 individuals and financial innovations like municipal bonds have strengthened Urban Local Bodies, ensuring resilient and inclusive urban growth.
