New Delhi, March 24 -- The second phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM 2.0) is projected to unlock an operations and maintenance (O&M) opportunity valued at approximately Rs 3 lakh crore, according to a report by ICRA.

The ratings agency noted that a higher financial outlay and an extended implementation timeline are expected to support the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector through this transition.

The report stated that the total outlay for the mission has been increased to Rs 8.69 lakh crore from the previously approved Rs 3.60 lakh crore. Within this, the Centre's share rose to Rs 3.59 lakh crore from Rs 2.08 lakh crore.

To achieve the goal of 100 per cent coverage for 19.4 crore rural households, the implement...