Odisha government approves Rs 240 crore Mahanadi riverfront development project

Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt on Thursday approved a Rs 240 crore Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming key stretches of the state’s riverbanks into vibrant public spaces and tourism hubs.The project will be implemented over three years — 2025-26 to 2027-28 — and will be fully funded by the state through the water resources development.Of the total investment, Rs 160 crore has been earmarked for the development of Mahanadi riverfront between Mandalia and Chaunpur in Sambalpur district. Another Rs 80 crore will be spent on revamping the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra riverbanks near Pandara in Bhubaneswar.Kuakhai and Kushabhadra are part of the Mahanadi river system. Kuakhai river is a distributary of Mahanadi. It branches off from the Kathajodi river near Naraj in Cuttack. Kushabhadra river originates from Kuakhai at Gandarpur in Balianta and flows southwest toward Nimapara and Gop before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.CM Mohan Charan Majhi, while approving the project, described the Mahanadi as “the lifeline of Odisha” and emphasised its potential to become a major centre for environmental, cultural and spiritual tourism.

He said the initiative would enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the riverfronts while contributing significantly to the state’s economic development.The project aims to provide social and cultural amenities along the riverbanks, while also laying the groundwork for private participation in water sports, amusement parks, science parks and herbal gardens. It will include measures to control riverbank erosion, improve river structures and redirect waste disposal systems to maintain water quality.Water conservation efforts will also support drinking water supply during scarcity, and the surrounding areas will be revived through sustainable development.In Sambalpur, the riverfront stretch from Mandalia to Chaunpur will be developed with jogging tracks, selfie points, open gyms, landscaped parks, improved ghats, bathing and aarti ghats, theme plazas, shopping complexes, toilets and parking zones, a statement from the chief minister’s office read.In Bhubaneswar, the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra riverbanks near Pandara will feature floating jetties, lock gates, bridges, internal walkways, viewpoints along the ring road, and supporting infrastructure such as cafeterias, toilets and security installations.The govt hopes the project will serve as a model for integrated riverfront development, blending ecological preservation with urban vibrancy and tourism potential.