TV
The Odisha government, on Thursday, approved a Rs 240 crore Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project to be implemented by the Water Resources Department. The scheme will run between 2025–26 and 2027–28 with full state funding.
According to the government, the Mahanadi has been described as the lifeline of Odisha, flowing 494 kilometres across the state through districts including Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Cuttack, Birmaharajpur and Subalaya before meeting the Bay of Bengal.
The new project will focus on selected stretches of the Mahanadi system, including Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar, with provisions for cultural, recreational and infrastructure facilities.
1. Allocation and locations
According to reports, of the total outlay, Rs 160 crore has been earmarked for developing the riverfront from Mandalia to Chaunpur in Sambalpur district. Another Rs 80 crore will be used for the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra riverbanks near Pandara on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
2. Infrastructure in Sambalpur
The Sambalpur stretch will include jogging tracks, landscaped parks, open gyms, selfie points, improved ghats, bathing and aarti ghats, theme plazas, shopping complexes, toilets and parking facilities. The plan also mentions the development of recreational and cultural zones along the riverbanks.
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3. Infrastructure in Bhubaneswar
For the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra section, the scheme includes floating jetties, bridges, lock gates, internal walkways, viewpoints along the ring road, cafeterias, toilets and security installations.
As per abstract estimates, Rs 54 crore has been set aside for ghats, Rs 10 crore for the ring road, Rs 5 crore each for floating jetties and parking, Rs 4 crore for survey and consultancy, and Rs 2 crore for river view pathways. Expenditure is scheduled at Rs 10 crore in 2025–26, Rs 40 crore in 2026–27 and Rs 30 crore in 2027–28.
4. Tourism and cultural features
Plans include facilities for water sports, amusement parks, science parks, herbal gardens and theme plazas. Bathing and aarti ghats will be constructed to support religious and cultural activities. Shopping complexes and open spaces are also part of the design.
5. Environmental and water management measures
The project incorporates measures to control riverbank erosion, strengthen river structures, and redirect waste disposal systems to maintain water quality. Water conservation initiatives are intended to support supply during scarcity, while surrounding stretches will be developed with sustainable practices.
Mega Riverfront Project in Cuttack
In February this year, the government had approved a separate Rs 220 crore project for riverfront development in Cuttack. The first phase covers a 3.5 km section, with a cost of Rs 38 crore, and is designed to include eco-zones, cultural centres, and heritage villages.
The Cuttack plan also reserves 34 acres of reclaimed land for the Baliyatra trade fair and will be executed under the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal and National Disaster Management Authority.
