Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today conducted a comprehensive review of the Cuttack River Front Development Project at Lok Seva Bhawan, outlining an ambitious vision to transform the Mahanadi riverbank into a nationally acclaimed tourist destination.
The project, estimated at ₹210 crore, aims to develop 426 acres along the Mahanadi riverbank in Cuttack. In compliance with National Green Tribunal guidelines, 284 acres will be designated as a green zone, while the remaining 142 acres will be developed for tourism and various transportation facilities. The development plan includes an Odisha Haat, Heritage Village, picnic area, interpretation centre, food court, lawns, gardens, and beautification of various waterbodies along the Mahanadi riverbank. All construction activities will strictly adhere to Green Tribunal guidelines.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of developing this project as a national-level attraction for tourists. He directed officials to study Gujarat’s renowned Sabarmati Riverfront design as a reference model and instructed them to complete all preliminary processes at the earliest to commence Phase-I work immediately.
The Chief Minister also suggested beautifying the embankment protection works being undertaken by the Water Resources Department. He noted that these structures could serve dual purposes by protecting the riverbank while simultaneously attracting tourists to the area.
Looking ahead to Phase-II, CM Majhi recommended the beautification of Dhabaleswar Temple along with the development of the area near National Law University. To enhance the project’s appeal further, he proposed introducing cruise services on the Mahanadi River. The Chief Minister assured that additional funds would be allocated if required for these beautification initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Sashwat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary of Water Resources Subha Sharma, Principal Secretary of Finance Sanjib Mishra, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota among other senior officials.
This landmark project promises to transform Cuttack’s historic riverfront into a world-class destination, seamlessly blending ecological conservation with sustainable tourism development.
