THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MAY 2, 2026
Odisha has cemented its position among
the top-performing states in the country under the Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, with the state government
driving an ambitious urban water revolution through focused governance, rapid
execution, and transformative infrastructure development.
Demonstrating strong political
commitment and administrative resolve, the government has accelerated the
implementation of AMRUT 2.0 across 89 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). A total of 345
projects worth Rs 4,030.18 crore have been taken up, with a clear emphasis on
universal water supply and rejuvenation of urban water bodies. Of these, 107
projects have already been completed, underscoring the government's commitment
to timely delivery and strict accountability, while the remaining projects are
progressing swiftly under close supervision.
Placing water security at the heart of
urban development, Odisha has delivered significant outcomes on the ground.
Seven new Water Treatment Plants with a combined capacity of 43 MLD have been
commissioned, benefiting nearly 2.83 lakh people. The expansion of 24x7 water
supply systems in major urban centres, coupled with the provision of more than
2.7 lakh household tap connections, has ensured access to safe drinking water
for over five lakh urban residents, marking a major stride towards universal
water coverage.
The state's inclusive development
model has also received a major boost through extensive community
participation. Initiatives such as 'AMRUT Mitra' and 'Women for Tree' have
empowered women Self-Help Groups to actively contribute to waterbody
rejuvenation and environmental conservation. Strategic convergence with
flagship national programmes like 'Pey Jal Survekshan' and 'Jal Hi AMRUT' has
further strengthened water management, conservation, and reuse practices across
urban Odisha.
In a significant move to deepen urban
transformation, Odisha is leveraging innovative financing mechanisms. Under the
Credit Enhancement Initiative, 16 bankable projects worth Rs 70.27 crore have
been prepared for smaller ULBs. Additionally, five major infrastructure
projects worth Rs 3,030.61 crore have been submitted under the Urban Challenge
Fund for Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Berhampur, positioning these
cities as future growth engines.
Housing and Urban Development Minister
Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra attributed the state's stellar performance to the
government's decisive leadership, strong policy direction, and relentless focus
on delivery.
"This achievement reflects our Government's unwavering commitment to transform urban Odisha with speed, scale, and sustainability. We are not just implementing schemes—we are delivering a comprehensive urban water revolution that ensures every household has access to safe and reliable drinking water," the Minister said.
He added, "Our focus is clear—time-bound execution, accountable governance, and future-ready infrastructure. We are building resilient cities that will drive Odisha's growth and improve the quality of life for every citizen. Under the vision of a 'Viksit Odisha', our Government will continue to lead from the front and set new benchmarks in urban transformation."
