Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as one of the top-performing states under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, with the state government accelerating urban water and infrastructure projects through focused implementation and strong administrative oversight.
Officials said the programme is being rolled out across 89 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with 345 projects worth ₹4,030.18 crore currently under execution. Of these, 107 projects have already been completed, while the remaining are progressing under close monitoring, reflecting an emphasis on time-bound delivery.
Water security has been placed at the core of the state’s urban agenda. Seven new water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 43 MLD have been commissioned, benefiting around 2.83 lakh people. In addition, the expansion of 24×7 water supply systems and more than 2.7 lakh household tap connections has improved access to safe drinking water for over 5 lakh urban residents.
The government has also prioritised community participation, with initiatives such as ‘AMRUT Mitra’ and ‘Women for Tree’ engaging self-help groups, particularly women, in waterbody rejuvenation and environmental sustainability efforts. Convergence with national programmes like ‘Pey Jal Survekshan’ and ‘Jal Hi AMRUT’ has further strengthened water management and reuse practices.
To scale up urban development, Odisha is adopting innovative financing strategies. Under the Credit Enhancement Initiative, 16 bankable projects worth ₹70.27 crore have been prepared for smaller urban bodies. Additionally, five major infrastructure projects worth ₹3,030.61 crore have been proposed under the Urban Challenge Fund for key cities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur and Berhampur.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the state’s performance is a result of strong policy direction and effective execution. He emphasised that the government is focused on building resilient, future-ready urban infrastructure while ensuring universal access to safe drinking water.
