H&UD Minister Reviews Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project at Cuttack

Bhubaneswar: Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mahapatra reviewed the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project at Cuttack, a flagship urban rejuvenation initiative aimed at transforming the riverfront into a vibrant public, cultural, and recreational space while boosting tourism and improving the overall urban environment.

The project, with an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, will be developed over an area of 426 acres along the Mahanadi riverfront and is proposed to be implemented in three phases. Adequate financial backing has been ensured through a budgetary provision of ₹150 crore in the State Budget for 2025–26.

Chairing the review meeting held at Unnati Bhawan, Dr. Mahapatra underscored the importance of time-bound implementation and directed the concerned agencies to fast-track statutory approvals, tendering processes, and all preparatory works to enable early commencement of the project.

As per the approved master plan, Phase I will focus on the development of 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 include the development of pathways, underground utilities, and extensive tree plantation across the remaining areas covered under the master plan, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Phase III will involve the creation of a range of recreational, cultural, and tourism-oriented facilities, including Cuttack Haat and a Heritage Village, food truck and entrance zones, playgrounds, 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. The implementation framework and project details were presented by Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, Vice-Chairperson, CDA, followed by a comprehensive discussion on timelines and execution strategies.

The review meeting held yesterday was attended by Additional Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Satrughna Kar, Rabindra Sahu, and senior officers from the Housing & Urban Development Department and CDA, Cuttack.