Odisha approves the ₹240 crore Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, transforming Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar riverbanks into eco-tourism, cultural, and urban hubs with parks, ghats, floating jetties, and modern facilities
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odisha government sanctioned a Rs 240 crore Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, which is a flagship initiative designed to convert significant sections of the state’s riverbanks into lively public areas and tourism destinations.
The implementation of this project is scheduled over three years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28, and will be entirely financed by the state through water resources development. Out of the total investment, Rs 160 crore has been allocated for the enhancement of the Mahanadi riverfront between Mandalia and Chaunpur in the Sambalpur district.
An additional Rs 80 crore will be utilized for the renovation of the Kuakhai and Kushabhadra riverbanks located near Pandara in Bhubaneswar. The Kuakhai and Kushabhadra rivers are components of the Mahanadi river system. The Kuakhai River serves as a distributary of the Mahanadi, branching off from the Kathajodi River close to Naraj in Cuttack. The Kushabhadra river originates from the Kuakhai at Gandarpur in Balianta and flows southwest towards Nimapara and Gop before discharging into the Bay of Bengal.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during the project approval, referred to the Mahanadi as “the lifeline of Odisha” and highlighted its potential to evolve into a significant hub for environmental, cultural, and spiritual tourism.
He stated that the initiative would improve both the aesthetic and ecological value of the riverfronts, while also making a substantial contribution to the state’s economic growth.
The project is designed to offer social and cultural facilities along the riverbanks, while simultaneously establishing a foundation for private involvement in water sports, amusement parks, science parks, and herbal gardens.
It will incorporate strategies to manage riverbank erosion, enhance river structures, and redirect waste disposal systems to ensure water quality. Additionally, water conservation initiatives will aid in providing drinking water during times of scarcity, and the surrounding regions will be revitalized through sustainable development.
In Sambalpur, the riverfront area extending from Mandalia to Chaunpur will be developed to include jogging paths, selfie spots, open gyms, landscaped parks, improved ghats, bathing and aarti ghats, themed plazas, shopping centers, restrooms, and parking areas, as stated by the chief minister’s office.
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, restrooms, and security installations.
The government anticipates that the project will act as a model for integrated riverfront development, harmonizing ecological conservation with urban vibrancy and tourism opportunities.