Role of Project Development & Management Consultants in Urban Water Supply Projects under AMRUT 2.0.- A Review

Abstract

Urbanization in India has accelerated at an unprecedented pace, creating exponential demand for sustainable and resilient infrastructure that can cater to the needs of growing urban populations. To address this challenge, the Government of India has launched several national programs, among which AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) plays a pivotal role in reshaping urban development strategies. Within this framework, Project Development and Management Consultants (PDMCs) emerge as key facilitators in bridging the gap between policy formulation and on-ground execution. Their responsibilities extend beyond traditional consultancy, encompassing holistic project planning, innovative design solutions, robust monitoring mechanisms, and streamlined implementation processes that align with time, cost, and quality parameters. Moreover, PDMCs contribute significantly to institutional strengthening and capacity building, thereby empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to adopt modern project management practices and enhance service delivery standards. This review paper critically examines the evolving role of PDMCs in urban infrastructure delivery under AMRUT 2.0 by synthesizing insights from existing literature, government guidelines, and selected project case studies. It highlights the tangible impact of PDMC involvement on ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in project execution, while also identifying persistent challenges such as coordination gaps, capacity constraints, and resource limitations. Finally, the study outlines the scope for further strengthening PDMC engagement through innovative practices, technology integration, and policy interventions, thereby reinforcing their role as indispensable partners in achieving sustainable urban transformation in India.

Introduction

Urban infrastructure development in India has evolved from basic municipal services to integrated, large-scale initiatives aligned with national economic goals. Rapid urbanization created immense pressure on services like water supply, sewerage, waste management, transport, and housing. Recognizing the role of urban centers in economic growth, the government launched major missions, starting with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in 2005, which introduced a city-centric approach and reforms for better urban governance.

Following JNNURM, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) began in 2015, focusing on infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, transport, and green spaces in 500 cities, promoting capacity building, citizen engagement, and performance-based funding. Despite progress, challenges like delays and coordination gaps remained.

To address these, AMRUT 2.0 was launched in 2021 with the goal of universal water supply and sanitation coverage in over 4,700 towns, emphasizing sustainability, climate resilience, circular water economy (conservation, reuse, rainwater harvesting), and inclusive growth. It promotes technology adoption, private sector participation, and innovative financing (e.g., PPPs).

AMRUT 2.0 aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation), focusing on continuous 24x7 piped water, universal sewerage coverage, water body rejuvenation, and green space development. It supports reforms such as reducing non-revenue water, energy efficiency, smart monitoring, and encourages active citizen participation and transparency. Funding is shared between central and state governments, with project-based implementation prioritizing inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Professional agencies like Project Development and Management Consultants (PDMCs) play a crucial role by assisting Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in planning and executing projects effectively.

The mission emphasizes monitoring through an online platform to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely fund disbursement, involving multiple stakeholders in progress tracking and feedback.

Conclusion

PDMCs play a pivotal role in transforming urban infrastructure planning and execution under AMRUT 2.0. Their involvement ensures professional oversight, timely delivery, and better governance. However, to harness their full potential, there is a need for clearer guidelines, performance evaluation mechanisms, and stronger coordination frameworks. Continuous capacity building for both PDMCs and ULBs is vital to sustain the urban transformation envisioned under AMRUT 2.0.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Pooja Kamthe, Prof. Nakul Shenode, Prof. Dilip L. Budhlani. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.