Bhubaneswar : Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mahapatra stressed on timely execution of the Rs 150 crore 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, which has got the FY 2026 Bugetary mandate, will be developed over an area of 426 acres along the Mahanadi riverfront and is proposed to be implemented in three phases.
Dr. Mahapatra, while reviewing the project on Tuesday, 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.
Ms. Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, Vice-chairperson of Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), which is the implementation authority of the project, presented the implementation framework and project details.
The review meeting was attended by H & UD Additional Secretary, Satrughna Kar, Rabindra Sahu.
