The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal, emphasised the transformative growth in urban sector investments during a recent press briefing in New Delhi. Highlighting a 16-fold increase in investments, he revealed that the sector has seen a rise from Rs 1,78,053 crore during 2004-14 to an impressive Rs 28,52,527 crore since 2014. This significant escalation demonstrates the government’s dedication to achieving the vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047, underscoring urban development as a cornerstone of India’s growth trajectory.
Manohar Lal attributed this progress to the accelerating pace of urbanisation, which has necessitated a focused and robust approach to urban planning and development. Over the past six months, urban development schemes have been implemented with greater speed and efficiency, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and quality of life in urban areas.
The Minister also highlighted key accomplishments under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Achievements include the establishment of 4,649 million litres per day (MLD) of water treatment capacity and 4,429 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, addressing critical urban challenges. Under AMRUT 2.0, the government is prioritising stormwater drainage systems to mitigate waterlogging issues, while continuing efforts to enhance drinking water supply and sewerage infrastructure, ensuring sustainable and resilient urban growth.
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and its successor, AMRUT 2.0, have significantly progressed in transforming urban water and sanitation infrastructure in India. Over the past six months, 1,273 projects worth Rs 22,268 crore were awarded, 798 projects worth Rs 6,875 crore were sanctioned, and 481 projects worth Rs 3,877 crore were completed. Notable achievements include the establishment of 752 MLD Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and 549 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), along with the issuance of Rs 300 crore in municipal bonds by Pimpri-Chinchwad and Rajkot. Additionally, 359 water bodies have been rejuvenated, and parks have been developed to enhance urban ecosystems. Central assistance of ₹3,941 crore has been disbursed, with Rs 1,109 crore utilised in project execution.
Over the last decade, the AMRUT initiatives have sanctioned 14,993 projects costing Rs 2,72,833 crore, with works worth Rs 96,970 crore physically completed. These efforts have resulted in providing 1.89 crore tap connections and 1.49 crore sewer connections, raising tap coverage from 48 per cent in 2015 to 70 per cent in 2024. Additionally, substantial infrastructure has been developed, including 4,649 MLD of water treatment capacity and 4,429 MLD of sewage treatment capacity. Reforms such as the replacement of 99 lakh streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs and the implementation of online building permission systems in 3,599 cities have further strengthened urban governance and energy efficiency.
In terms of actionable initiatives, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have prioritised infrastructure development to ensure tap water reaches every citizen and achieves water security. The ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ program has transformed used water treatment plants into resource recovery facilities, training 4,500 operators and enrolling 848 STPs. Participatory urban water governance has been fostered through ‘AMRUT Mitra,’ involving over 4,600 women SHG members, along with 105 startups working to scale innovative solutions. Furthermore, the financial health of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has been improved, with 13 ULBs raising Rs 4,984 crore through municipal bonds.
Looking ahead, AMRUT 2.0 has set ambitious targets for the next five years. It aims to increase tap water coverage to 88 per cent, providing 4.08 crore new connections and laying 1.25 lakh kilometres of the water network. Sewer coverage is targeted to rise to 57 per cent, with the addition of 1.51 crore sewer connections and 35,866 kilometres of sewer network. Plans also include achieving 10,000 MLD water reuse capacity by 2030, rejuvenating 3,078 water bodies, and training a diverse workforce of contractors, plumbers, and SHG members. These efforts underline the mission’s commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
Smart Cities and New Cities Scheme
Manohar Lal announced that following the successful completion of the Smart Cities Mission, a New Cities Scheme has been conceptualised to manage the pressures of rapid urbanisation.
The Smart Cities Mission, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, has undertaken the development of 100 cities through the implementation of over 8,000 multi-sectoral projects tailored to local needs, with an investment of Rs 1,65,000 crore. These projects span various sectors, including Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCC), smart mobility, energy, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), vibrant public spaces, economic and social infrastructure, and smart governance. As of now, 91% of the projects (7,352 worth Rs 1,47,366 crore) have been completed, while 714 projects worth Rs 17,303 crore are under implementation.
Financially, the mission has made significant progress, with Rs 46,419 crore released by the Government of India from the total allocated Rs 48,000 crore, out of which Rs 44,545 crore has already been utilised. A key achievement is the operationalisation of ICCCs in all 100 smart cities, enabling data-driven decisions and enhancing urban management. Public safety has been significantly improved with over 83,000 CCTV cameras, emergency call boxes, public address systems, and traffic enforcement technologies.
The mission has revitalised public spaces by developing over 1,200 projects, including 318 km of waterfront development and conservation of 484 heritage monuments. Smart water supply systems spanning 17,000 km have been monitored using SCADA, reducing water loss and leakages. Solid waste management has seen advancements with 9,000 RFID-enabled vehicles and ICCC-monitored collections in 48 cities.
Additionally, 16 lakh solar/LED streetlights have been installed, 1,700 km of smart roads have been constructed, and affordable housing units have been built for 35,000 families. Over 9,400 smart classrooms and 38 digital libraries have enhanced education, while the health sector has benefited from 172 e-health centres and 165 hospitals. The creation of economic hubs, sports facilities, and skill development centres has further strengthened urban livelihoods and infrastructure. The integration of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) has also been instrumental, with 199 projects worth Rs 9,200 crore being implemented successfully.
This mission has not only modernised urban infrastructure but also empowered communities through innovative solutions and inclusive development.
The 15th Finance Commission (15th FC) has allocated Rs 8,000 crore under a performance-based challenge fund for the incubation of eight new cities across India. Each state can only propose one new city to be considered under this fund. To operationalise this initiative, the Ministry constituted an Expert Committee (EC) tasked with finalising the bid parameters and minimum eligibility conditions for the selection of these cities. A Request for Proposal (RfP) was circulated to all states based on the recommendations of the EC.
Initially, the Ministry received 26 proposals from 21 states. However, due to a lack of qualitative proposals from the North-Eastern states, fresh or revised submissions were solicited. This process resulted in 28 proposals from 23 states, including submissions from regions like East Siang in Arunachal Pradesh, Imphal in Manipur, and Chümoukedima in Nagaland. Each proposal reflects the aspirations of the states to develop new urban centres aimed at enhancing regional growth and modern infrastructure.
The proposed cities vary in purpose and scope. For instance, Gujarat has submitted plans for the expansion of GIFT City in Gandhinagar and a new project in Ambaji, while Kerala proposed Aerocity in Kannur and Neopolis in Ernakulam. Similarly, states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have highlighted Thirumazhisai and Ayodhya, respectively, for their potential as new urban hubs. The proposals are currently under scrutiny by the competent authority, which will evaluate them to finalise the eight cities eligible for funding under this initiative.
Urban Mobility and Sustainability
The government has intensified efforts to improve urban mobility and sustainability through innovative initiatives. Emphasis is placed on expanding Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) and promoting eco-friendly urban transport solutions like e-mobility and walkable streets. These steps aim to mitigate pollution and address pressing environmental concerns while enhancing city accessibility.
Metro Rail Expansion
Metro rail systems, a cornerstone of urban transport in India, have seen remarkable growth since the inauguration of the first modern metro line in Delhi in 2002. As of now, metro systems are operational in 23 cities, covering 993 kilometres, with ongoing construction across 17 cities for an additional 998 kilometres. The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, launched in 2019, has already operationalised 42 kilometres, with the remaining stretch to be completed by June 2025. Average metro rail commissioning rates have grown significantly from 0.68 km/month (2014) to 6 km/month (2024). The sector has also witnessed a surge in ridership, crossing 1 crore daily commuters in 2024.
A budget allocation of Rs 24,844 crores has been made for metro rail projects for FY 2024-25. New projects sanctioned after June 2024 include expansions in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Thane, with a total investment exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore.
Delhi’s Metro and RRTS Achievements
Delhi-NCR boasts the largest metro rail network in India, spanning 393.4 kilometres, with 141 kilometres under construction. The rapid transit system is a vital decongestion measure, with the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS partially operational since October 2023. In October 2024, 64.08 lakh daily journeys were recorded, with a peak ridership of 78 lakh on November 18, 2024.
PM-eBus Sewa Scheme
Launched in August 2023, the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme aims to improve urban bus operations by deploying 10,000 air-conditioned electric buses across the country. With a central assistance of Rs 20,000 crores, the scheme prioritises cities with populations between 3-40 lakhs and smaller state capitals. Central support covers operation costs, power infrastructure, and depot facilities.
Since June 2024, approvals for 1,021 electric buses across 18 cities and funding of over Rs 983.75 crores for associated infrastructure have been announced. States such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Odisha have received significant financial support. Additionally, Maharashtra alone issued 1,250 electric bus tenders, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport.
Urban Housing and PMAY 2.0: Revolutionizing Affordable Living
Urban housing in India has received a transformative boost with the introduction of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) 2.0. A key addition to this scheme is the Rental Housing Vertical, targeting the migrant population by converting vacant government-funded houses into Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) or public agencies. Provisional sanctions for approximately 7 per cent of the planned 1 crore urban houses have been granted, ensuring timely allocations and streamlining operations through demand-based yearly sanctions.
Under the broader PMAY-U framework, the past 8–9 years have witnessed significant achievements, aligning with the vision of ‘Housing for All.’ Over 1.18 crore houses have been sanctioned in 4,618 urban local bodies (ULBs), with 88 lakh houses completed and delivered. The scheme has catalysed Rs 8.07 lakh crore in investments, supported by Rs 2 lakh crore in sanctioned central assistance. Moreover, the program has generated 917 crore person-days of work, showcasing its extensive socio-economic impact.
PMAY-U 2.0: A New Era of Urban Housing
PMAY-U 2.0, approved in August 2024, seeks to provide affordable housing to 1 crore urban poor and middle-class families through a financial outlay of Rs 2.30 lakh crore and total investments of Rs 10 lakh crore. Implemented via four verticals—Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH), and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS)—the scheme caters to diverse needs, including slum dwellers, women, and underprivileged sections. Special emphasis is placed on vulnerable groups like safai karmis, street vendors, artisans, and construction workers.
Central assistance varies by region, ensuring tailored support. States/UTs are mandated to prepare an Affordable Housing Policy by March 2025 to enhance housing affordability. The ongoing implementation phase has already achieved in-principle approval for 6 lakh houses across 29 States/UTs, with a dedicated web portal enabling streamlined beneficiary applications. The scheme ensures equity and empowerment by prioritising women’s ownership in 89 lakh sanctioned houses and addressing the requirements of diverse population segments.
Through innovative policies and effective implementation, PMAY-U 2.0 is set to redefine urban housing, fostering inclusivity and sustainable development across India’s urban landscape.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is set to launch the Deendayal Jan Aajeevika Yojana (DJAY), an enhanced version of the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), focused on urban poverty alleviation. Drawing on the successes of the DAY-NULM program, DJAY aims to alleviate the vulnerabilities faced by urban poor households through self-employment opportunities, skilled wage employment, and strengthening community institutions. The mission targets six occupational groups: construction, transport, gig, domestic, waste, and care workers, linking them to livelihood initiatives to address occupational, social, and residential challenges. Currently piloted in 25 cities with a budgetary allocation of Rs 180 crore, the scheme follows a Test-Learn-Scale approach, setting the stage for a nationwide rollout.
The pilot initiative, launched in October 2024, focuses on integrating financial assistance, social protection, and credit access for vulnerable groups. The mission has five key components: Community-Led Institutional Development, Financial Inclusion and Enterprise Development, Social Infrastructure, Convergence, and Innovative & Special Projects. The overarching goal is to cover 2.5 crore urban poor households, uplift their socio-economic conditions, and eradicate poverty by leveraging convergence with other welfare schemes and deploying a robust technology platform for outreach and operations.
Progress under DAY-NULM has been substantial, with over 1 crore women mobilised into nearly 10 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 39.39 lakh livelihoods created through skills training, subsidised credit, and micro-enterprises. The scheme has facilitated shelter for 1.41 lakh urban homeless, identified 71.65 lakh street vendors, and issued Certificates of Vending (CoVs) and ID cards to many of them. Central assistance to states under DAY-NULM has amounted to Rs 5,733.10 crore, showcasing its impact on poverty alleviation and livelihood creation.
The pilot phase of DJAY, as of November 2024, has identified 11.69 lakh urban poor across the participating cities, including 1.28 lakh individuals from vulnerable occupational groups. New SHGs and Common Interest Groups (CIGs) have been formed, and financial assistance through loans has been extended to individuals and groups for entrepreneurial activities. Infrastructure projects such as shelters, labour chowks, and care clusters have also been initiated to address critical urban challenges. With its focus on socio-economic upliftment and a strong foundation of technology, the DJAY mission is poised to transform urban poverty alleviation in India.
Union Government’s Commitment to Urban Development
The Union Government has reiterated its dedication to fostering urban development in collaboration with state governments. By extending budgetary support, facilitating workforce training, and introducing advanced technologies, the government aims to strengthen urban infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for citizens. This approach underscores the importance of synergy between central and state authorities in driving sustainable urban growth.
Achievements under PM SVANidhi Scheme
The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme has been a remarkable initiative in empowering street vendors. As of now, a total of Rs 13,422 crore in loans has been disbursed, benefitting over 67 lakh street vendors through 94.3 lakh sanctioned loans. Vendors are supported with loans up to Rs 80,000, distributed in three tranches, enabling them to scale their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Digital Inclusion and Financial Empowerment
The scheme promotes digital inclusion among street vendors, with 43 lakh digitally active vendors conducting transactions worth Rs 4.23 lakh crore. Incentives for digital transactions ensure the sustainability of this transformation. Additionally, a digital safety net safeguards vendors and their families, enhancing resilience against economic uncertainties.
Interest Subsidy and Recognition
The SVANidhi se Samriddhi initiative has provided Rs 209.7 crore in interest subsidies to vendors who repay loans on time, ensuring access to affordable credit. Over 23 lakh Parichay Boards have been distributed, offering formal recognition to vendors and further integrating them into the formal economy.
Socio-Economic Impacts
The scheme has yielded significant socio-economic benefits. Vendors have reported an average income increase of Rs 1,900 per month, with 65 per cent adopting digital transactions. Women’s participation stands at an encouraging 45 per cent, showcasing the scheme’s inclusivity. Moreover, the use of debit cards among vendors has increased by 50 per cent, reflecting improved financial literacy and access.
By blending financial support, digital empowerment, and formal recognition, the PM SVANidhi scheme has transformed the lives of street vendors, fostering economic resilience and inclusion.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Progress and Updates
Since June 9, 2024, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban has made significant progress, with over Rs 1,123 crores allocated by the Government to bolster urban cleanliness initiatives. Remarkably, two major dumpsites in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have been fully remediated, addressing approximately 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste.
Key Campaigns
Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 (September 15 – Octoberr 2, 2024): Focusing on the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata,’ this campaign mobilised over 32 crore citizens.
Achievements: Nearly 8.3 lakh Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) transformed.
Around 17 lakh citizen-participation events organised under Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari.
Approximately 71 lakh trees were planted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, with 1.84 crore citizens participating.
18 lakh health camps benefited 43 lakh SafaiMitras, with 60 lakh workers covered under welfare schemes.
Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali Campaign (October 28 – November 23 2024): This campaign promoted sustainable practices like Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and elimination of Single-Use Plastics.
Over 3,200 cleanliness drives and 900 events were conducted, emphasising eco-friendly materials, waste-to-art, and local food streets.
Clean Toilets Campaign (Launched November 19, 2024): This five-week campaign, launched on World Toilet Day in Lucknow, focused on improving community and public toilet maintenance through evaluations based on FACES (Functionality, Accessibility, Cleanliness, Eco-friendly, and Safety) parameters and citizen feedback. Over 1,000 toilets have already been nominated for improvement.
Infrastructure Development
On November 1, 2024, India’s largest waste-to-energy plant was inaugurated in Piplaj, Ahmedabad, by Union Minister Shri Amit Shah. This Rs 375 crore project, utilising RDF-based technology, processes 1,000 MT of municipal solid waste daily to generate 15 MW of electricity, directly employing 700 people.
Swachh Survekshan 2024
A redesigned framework, focusing on population-based metrics, visible cleanliness, and waste processing capabilities, will feature a special category for cities excelling in past rankings. The survey will commence in mid-January 2025.
International and Budget Updates
India will host the 12th High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in March 2024 to promote sustainable waste management. The Government has also partnered with ADB and the World Bank to implement a 100-cities program for comprehensive waste management.
India’s urban landscape is undergoing a transformative evolution, driven by strategic investments, innovative initiatives, and a strong commitment to sustainable development. From the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) to the ambitious PMAY 2.0 and Smart Cities Mission, the government has showcased its dedication to enhancing infrastructure, improving quality of life, and addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation. Programs like PM SVANidhi, DJAY, and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban further highlight the focus on inclusivity, digital empowerment, and environmental sustainability. With forward-looking schemes like the New Cities Scheme, expanding metro systems, and eco-friendly urban mobility, India is poised to realise its vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047. This collective effort underscores the nation’s unwavering resolve to create livable, resilient, and equitable urban spaces for its citizens.
Comments