Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mahapatra on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project at Cuttack and directed officials to ensure expeditious and time-bound implementation of the flagship urban rejuvenation initiative.
The ambitious project aims to transform the Mahanadi riverfront into a vibrant public, cultural, and recreational hub, enhancing tourism potential while improving the overall urban environment of Cuttack.
With an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, the project will be developed over 426 acres along the riverfront and implemented in three phases. The state government has ensured full financial support, with a ₹150 crore allocation in the State Budget for 2025–26.
Chairing the review meeting at Unnati Bhawan, Dr. Mahapatra stressed the importance of meeting timelines and asked concerned agencies to fast-track statutory clearances, tendering processes, and preparatory works to enable early commencement.
Project Phases and Key Features
According to the approved master plan, Phase I will focus on developing a 3.2-kilometre riverfront promenade from the Balijatra Ground edge to the Maritime Museum, along with pedestrian pathways and essential utility infrastructure in the Balijatra zone.
Phase II will cover pathways, underground utility networks, and large-scale tree plantation across the remaining project 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 zones, a Nature Interpretation Centre, thematic gardens, an open-air Maritime Museum, and an adventure zone, among other public amenities.
Implementation and Review
The project will be executed by the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) through an open tender process. The implementation framework and detailed project plan were presented by Ms. Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, Vice-Chairperson, CDA, followed by discussions on timelines and execution strategies.
The review meeting was attended by Additional Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Shri Satrughna Kar, Shri Rabindra Sahu, and senior officials from the Housing & Urban Development Department and CDA, Cuttack.
