Finance
Odish a has emerged as a top performer in the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0), setting new standards for urban development, implementation efficiency, and service delivery.
AMRUT 2.0, which was launched in October 2021 and will be continued until March 2027, intends to provide universal water supply, rejuvenate water bodies, and improve urban infrastructure throughout cities. In Odisha, the mission has made tremendous progress across 89 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with 345 projects authorized at an estimated cost of Rs 4,030.18 crore, including water delivery and water body rehabilitation activities.
99 projects have already been finished, demonstrating strong execution, while the remaining ones are making steady progress through various levels of implementation.The state has achieved near-total utilisation of available funds, reflecting robust financial planning and efficient project management.
Odisha has made significant progress in upgrading its urban water infrastructure under AMRUT 2.0. Seven water treatment plants with a total capacity of 43 MLD have been commissioned, helping 2.83 lakh people. Additionally, significant urban centers now have 24-hour water delivery systems, and over 2.7 lakh households have been connected. More than 5 lakh urban inhabitants have benefited directly from these measures.
Housing & Urban Development Minister 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. 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 utilised complimentary efforts from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Odisha has received incentives and is moving on with initiatives for enhanced water management and reuse through the “Pey Jal Survekshan” and “Jal Hi AMRUT” programmes. Community-driven programs such as the “AMRUT Mitra” and “Women for Trees” projects have enhanced environmental sustainability, with plantation drives and water body rejuvenation carried out by women’s 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.
