Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) – A Detailed Overview

1. Introduction to AMRUT

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a flagship urban development program launched by the Government of India on June 25, 2015. The mission aims to improve the quality of life in urban areas by providing basic infrastructure, ensuring sustainable water supply, sanitation, and promoting a pollution-free environment.

AMRUT primarily focuses on 500 selected cities with a population of over 1 lakh, ensuring that urban development is well-planned and supports economic growth. The mission is an upgraded version of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and aligns with other urban development initiatives like the Smart City Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

2. Objectives of AMRUT

The key objectives of AMRUT are:

  1. Water Supply Improvement – Ensuring 24×7 piped water supply to urban households.
  2. Sewerage and Septage Management – Developing efficient wastewater treatment and sanitation infrastructure.
  3. Stormwater Drainage – Reducing urban flooding and improving drainage systems.
  4. Non-Motorized Transport & Green Spaces – Encouraging pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, cycling tracks, and parks.
  5. Urban Transport – Improving public transport facilities and reducing congestion.
  6. Capacity Building – Strengthening local urban governance and urban planning institutions.

The mission follows a bottom-up approach, where city governments prepare detailed project reports based on local needs.

3. Key Features of AMRUT

a. Water Supply & Sanitation

  • Universal access to safe and sustainable water supply.
  • Use of smart meters for water consumption monitoring.
  • Development of sewage treatment plants and reduction of manual scavenging.

b. Urban Mobility & Transport

  • Creation of pedestrian-friendly pathways.
  • Expansion of public transport services.
  • Integration of non-motorized transport (bicycle lanes, walkways).

c. Green Spaces & Parks

  • Increasing green cover in cities.
  • Revitalization of urban lakes and water bodies.
  • Development of parks with eco-friendly designs.

d. Climate Resilience & Pollution Control

  • Reduction of urban heat islands through tree plantations.
  • Encouragement of solar energy and LED street lighting.
  • Development of rainwater harvesting systems.

e. Governance Reforms

  • Adoption of e-governance solutions for urban services.
  • Property tax and revenue collection reforms for financial sustainability.
  • Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure projects.

4. Implementation Strategy

a. Selection of Cities

  • Initially, 500 cities were selected based on population size and growth potential.
  • Cities with a population above 1 lakh were prioritized, covering all states and union territories.

b. Financial Framework

  • Total Budget (AMRUT 1.0): ₹50,000 crore (2015-2022).
  • Government Funding:
    • 50% by the central government for cities with a population of less than 1 million.
    • One-third (33%) funding for cities with a population of more than 1 million.
    • The rest is funded by the state government and local urban bodies.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) were encouraged for certain projects.

c. State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs)

  • States prepare Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) for urban development.
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) approves projects based on SAAPs.

d. Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs)

  • Cities are required to meet predefined benchmarks for water, sanitation, and transport.
  • These benchmarks help track the mission’s progress.

5. Achievements of AMRUT 1.0 (2015-2022)

AMRUT has made significant contributions to urban infrastructure. Some of the major achievements include:

a. Water Supply & Sanitation

  • Over 105 lakh household water tap connections installed.
  • 100% sewerage and septage coverage in several cities.
  • Over 5,000 km of sewer networks developed.

b. Urban Transport & Roads

  • More than 1,500 km of footpaths and cycle tracks constructed.
  • Expansion of public transport systems in major cities.

c. Green Spaces & Sustainable Development

  • More than 2,800 parks developed to enhance urban greenery.
  • LED street lighting and solar-powered urban infrastructure adopted.

6. AMRUT 2.0 (2021-2026): The Next Phase

Recognizing the need for sustained efforts, the Government of India launched AMRUT 2.0 in October 2021. The new phase focuses on:

a. Key Features of AMRUT 2.0

  1. 100% coverage of water supply to all urban households.
  2. Focus on Circular Economy in Water Management.
  3. Use of Digital Technologies – Smart water meters, GIS-based mapping, and AI-driven monitoring.
  4. Enhancing Climate Resilience – More sustainable stormwater drainage systems.
  5. Swachh Bharat 2.0 Integration – Improved solid waste management.

b. Financial Outlay for AMRUT 2.0

  • Total budget: ₹2.87 lakh crore (2021-2026).
  • Central government contribution: ₹76,760 crore.

c. Mission Goals for 2026

  • All households to have tap water supply.
  • Sewerage and septage management coverage extended to all cities.
  • Green and sustainable urban development.

7. Challenges in Implementation

Despite its success, AMRUT has faced several challenges:

a. Financial Constraints

  • Delay in fund disbursement from state and central governments.
  • Limited private sector investment due to uncertain returns.

b. Technical & Administrative Issues

  • Lack of technical expertise at the city level.
  • Slow execution of projects due to bureaucratic red tape.

c. Water Supply & Pollution Issues

  • Several cities still face groundwater depletion.
  • Pollution control remains a challenge in highly urbanized areas.

d. Public Awareness & Participation

  • Need for greater citizen engagement in water conservation efforts.
  • Low adoption of rainwater harvesting and recycling methods.

8. Success Stories

a. Pune (Maharashtra)

  • Successfully implemented 100% smart water metering.
  • Expanded sewerage network coverage across the city.

b. Surat (Gujarat)

  • Developed an advanced stormwater drainage system to prevent flooding.
  • Increased green spaces and public parks under AMRUT guidelines.

c. Indore (Madhya Pradesh)

  • Integrated AMRUT with Swachh Bharat Mission to improve waste management.
  • Built sustainable sewage treatment plants using PPP models.

9. Conclusion

The AMRUT mission has played a crucial role in transforming urban infrastructure in India. By focusing on water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and green spaces, AMRUT has helped create more livable and sustainable cities. With the introduction of AMRUT 2.0, India is set to achieve universal water supply, efficient waste management, and climate-resilient urban development by 2026.

However, effective governance, timely execution, and increased public participation will be key to the mission’s long-term success.

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