H&UD Minister Reviews ₹150-Crore Mahanadi Riverfront Project in Cuttack

Bhubaneswar: Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Tuesday reviewed the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project in Cuttack, a flagship urban rejuvenation initiative aimed at transforming the riverfront into a vibrant public, cultural and recreational hub while boosting tourism and improving the city’s overall urban environment.

The project, estimated at ₹150 crore, will be developed over 426 acres along the Mahanadi riverfront and implemented in three phases. Adequate financial support has been ensured with a budgetary provision of ₹150 crore in the State Budget for 2025–26.

Chairing the review meeting at Unnati Bhawan, the minister stressed the need for time-bound implementation and directed the concerned agencies to fast-track statutory clearances, tendering processes and other preparatory works to facilitate early commencement of the project.

According to the approved master plan, Phase I will focus on developing a 3.2-km-long riverfront promenade from the Balijatra Ground edge to the Maritime Museum, along with pathways and essential utility infrastructure in the Balijatra zone. Phase II will involve the development of pathways, underground utilities and large-scale tree plantation in the remaining areas, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Phase III will include the creation of multiple recreational, cultural and tourism-oriented facilities such as Cuttack Haat, a Heritage Village, food truck and entrance zones, playgrounds, a sensory park, fitness zone, Nature Interpretation Centre, entrance plaza, thematic gardens, an open-air Maritime Museum and an adventure zone, among other public amenities.

The project will be implemented by the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) through an open tender process. Project details and the implementation framework were presented by CDA Vice-Chairperson Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, followed by a detailed discussion on timelines and execution strategies.

The review meeting was attended by Additional Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Satrughna Kar, Rabindra Sahu, and senior officials of the Housing and Urban Development Department and CDA, Cuttack.