India unveils plans for $51 bn piped drinking water roll-out

摘要

India has released the first guidelines for its massive Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the programme aimed at connecting the whole country's population to piped water supplies by 2024. Following the release of the guidelines in late December, the start of work is now drawing near. As of March 2019, only 18% of rural households in India had tap water connectivity, and the programme aims to bring 146 million more houses under coverage by 2024. The main market opportunities associated with the programme may be for organisations in the water equipment space, including pipes, pumps, valves, meters and filters. There is also potential for digital and artificial intelligence start-ups and other water sector players to make an impact, as the guidelines propose the use of digital technology, artificial intelligence and monitoring through third-party inspections and audits to improve service.