The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the PRAGATI-50 initiative to develop 50 model cities that will demonstrate excellence in urban cleanliness and sanitation. Following directions from the Prime Minister during the 51st PRAGATI meeting, the ministry has selected these cities across 24 states to serve as role models for the rest of the country through targeted, performance-based action and technology-enabled monitoring.
The initiative operates within the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, which aims to achieve garbage-free cities. The 50 selected cities include major urban centres, cities of cultural importance, high tourism destinations and economic hubs. The focus extends beyond routine sanitation work to demonstrate sustained, high-performance parameters in visible cleanliness, solid waste management, used water management, and citizen participation.
Key facts
- 50 model cities selected across 24 states
- Framework: Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0
- Review mechanism: PRAGATI-like digital portal established on Swachhatam Portal
- Third cohort of startups launched with 13 new entrants, bringing total to 75 startups in the waste management value chain
- Swachh Bharat Test Bed and Innovation Centre launched at Durgapur in collaboration with CSIR-CMERI
- Standard Operating Procedure released for Secondary Collection Centres for Construction and Demolition Waste
- Guidelines released for Source Segregation of Municipal Solid Waste under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026
- Dedicated WhatsApp channel launched for citizens to lodge complaints
- Reduce Reuse and Recycle Centre inaugurated at Sankalp Bhawan, New Delhi
- Swachhata Behaviour Change Digital Kosh launched as digital repository of ideas, creatives and resources
What is the PRAGATI-50 initiative
PRAGATI-50 is a structured programme to elevate urban sanitation standards in 50 identified cities. Each city will be monitored through outcome-based assessments and technology-enabled tracking. The initiative adopts a “City as a Whole” approach, involving all stakeholders including Urban Local Bodies, government agencies and partners in planning and implementation. Officers from the ministry will be assigned to specific cities for regular supervision and support.
States and Urban Local Bodies are expected to prepare micro-level action plans and ensure swift implementation. Progress will be continuously reviewed, with senior ministry officials chairing review meetings every two months to track advancement. The digital review mechanism on the Swachhatam Portal will enable efficient monitoring and coordination across all 50 cities.
Support systems and innovation
To strengthen on-ground implementation, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has released technical guidelines, model designs and targeted advisories. The Swachh Bharat Test Bed and Innovation Centre, launched in collaboration with CSIR-CMERI at Durgapur, serves as a national facility for research, product development, testing, validation and capacity building in sanitation technologies.
The initiative has onboarded 75 startups across the waste management value chain to accelerate innovation in urban sanitation solutions. The third cohort of 13 startups, launched in collaboration with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre at IIT Kanpur, focuses on pioneering solutions in sanitation and waste management using technology-driven approaches.
Citizen engagement and behaviour change
The Swachhata App remains the main interface for citizens to register complaints and seek grievance redressal. A dedicated WhatsApp channel has now been launched to make it easier for residents to lodge complaints and participate actively in keeping their cities clean.
The newly launched Swachhata Behaviour Change Digital Kosh is a digital repository of ideas, creatives, campaigns and resources designed to strengthen behaviour change initiatives. States, Urban Local Bodies and other stakeholders can access ready-to-use communication resources, innovative campaign ideas and advocacy materials through this platform, enabling knowledge sharing and replication of successful approaches across different cities.
New standards and resource management
The ministry has released a Standard Operating Procedure for the establishment of Secondary Collection Centres for Construction and Demolition Waste management. Guidelines for Source Segregation of Municipal Solid Waste have also been released, mandated under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
A Reduce Reuse and Recycle Centre was inaugurated at Sankalp Bhawan in New Delhi as part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. This is the first such centre in a Union Ministry office and aims to promote sustainable consumption, resource recovery and circular economy practices within government workplaces.
What this means for you
If you live in one of the 50 model cities, expect increased focus on visible cleanliness standards, improved waste management systems and better grievance redressal mechanisms. The Swachhata App and the new WhatsApp channel provide easier ways to report sanitation issues and contribute to city cleanliness efforts.
The initiative creates opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs working on sanitation and waste management solutions. The Swachh Bharat Test Bed and Innovation Centre at Durgapur offers research and capacity-building facilities for those developing or testing new technologies in this sector.
States and municipalities will need to develop and implement detailed action plans to achieve the cleanliness benchmarks set under the initiative. The digital monitoring system ensures transparent, regular tracking of progress against defined performance indicators.