Hyderabad Plans ₹7,000 Crore Musi Riverfront Development Phase I

Hyderabad is moving forward with an ambitious plan to transform the Musi River through a large-scale riverfront development initiative. The first phase of the Musi Riverfront Development Project will focus on a 21 km stretch within the city limits, covering areas from the Outer Ring Road (ORR) West to Gandhi Sarovar at Bapu Ghat in Langar Houz.

The Musi River runs for around 55 km across Hyderabad from Gandipet in the western part of the city to Gowrelly village near Hayathnagar in the east. According to the detailed project report prepared by the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited, the initial phase will concentrate on rejuvenating critical river sections while improving flood management and urban infrastructure along the riverbanks.

The estimated cost of Phase I is expected to range between ₹6,500 crore and ₹7,000 crore. This figure counters earlier claims that the entire project would require investments of around ₹1 lakh crore. The first phase will focus on two river stretches, the Musa and Esa streams, which converge near Gandhi Sarovar.

The development plan includes several major components designed to improve the ecological health of the river and enhance surrounding urban spaces. Key works include desilting and cleaning of the river, hydrology-based riverbed profiling, construction of flood mitigation walls and stabilisation of riverbank slopes.

Infrastructure upgrades will also form a major part of the project. Authorities plan to construct roads along both sides of the river and install trunk sewer mains and stormwater drains to prevent untreated sewage from entering the river. In addition, water retention structures such as weirs and barrages will be built to regulate flow and maintain water levels.

The project will also involve significant transport infrastructure improvements. A total of 14 bridges are planned along the stretch, including nine new bridges and upgrades to five existing ones. These bridges are expected to improve connectivity between key parts of the city.

A consortium comprising Meinhardt Singapore, RIOS and Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed as the aggregate master planner for the project. Meanwhile, the Godavari Linkage Project, led by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, will complement the initiative by augmenting the city’s drinking water supply and supporting the rejuvenation of the Musi River.